The last couple of years have been a particularly worrying time for many parents and carers, who fear that their child hasn’t been making the progress they should, and may have special educational needs.

Mindful of this, Dorset Council has launched the Dorset Education Advice Line, a phone line for parents, carers and professionals who support children who may have special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND). This advice line will work alongside existing services such as Dorset Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) and the Education Psychology helpline.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help said: “As part of our ambitious SEND strategy to help more children and young people in Dorset, we’ve been running the Dorset Education Advice Line pilot since October. We’ve helped several families so far, talking to them about their worries and concerns, and making sure they get the right help at the time when it’s identified as being needed.

“We’re now opening up the pilot to become a permanent service from January 2022.”

To book a conversation with one of the SEND Family Workers complete the Dorset Education Advice Line online form or call Freephone 0800 14 040 41. Lines are open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time and a SEND Family Worker will email you with your appointment time where you can talk through your concerns and issues and about how to support your child.