Resources for supporting Ukrainian children:
- Helpful resources for schools and parents from our Educational Psychology Team
- Government resources to help support children and young people arriving from Ukraine
- The Healing Classrooms programme. Support schools and educators to develop inclusive and nurturing learning spaces
Early years education and childcare
Some childcare can be funded for children over 2 years old. find out more about childcare funding options.
Schools provide education for all children.
Alternatively, you can contact customer services:
- email at: customerservices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
- call on: 01305 221000
Free School meals
Children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. Children in Year 3 or above may be eligible for free school meals. This includes if their parent is receiving Universal Credit. Find out more and apply for free school meals.
Home to school travel
Some children are eligible for home to school travel assistance. For criteria and how to apply see the school transport.
School or College
You apply directly to the school or college for education after the age of 16, not through us.
Here is a list of all schools and colleges in Dorset that offer education for children from 16 to 18. Sixth forms and colleges in Dorset - Dorset Council
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience, and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.
During 2023, pass codes are free of charge to the children in Dorset Refugee Programmes. This includes all our Ukrainian guests, and the children of our Host Families.
Find out more about the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme.
You might wish to leave your child or children with your host family for a short while. For instance, if you wished to visit relatives in Ukraine for a week or two over the Christmas period. This would be a private arrangement between you and your host.
If you decide to do this, you need to speak to your host well in advance.
You need to make sure:
- everyone is comfortable with the arrangement
- the host understands their responsibilities of caring for your child or children
If you were away for a 28 days or more, we would class this as a private fostering arrangement. Speak with the Ukraine Response Team, as soon as you start thinking about this. There is a strict process to follow to allow children to remain in the UK without their parents or guardians present. Guidance for sponsors (children and minors applying without parents or legal guardians).
Adult Learning in Dorset
There are learning centres in Dorset. They are run by:
- Skills and Learning
- local colleges
- other adult education providers
They offer a range of courses for vocational skills, further and higher education. Find out more about learning English and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses.
Education providers and colleges
- Skills and Learning website
- Whitehead Ross Education & Consulting
- Weymouth College
- Yeovil College
- Kingston Maurward, near Dorchester
- Bournemouth and Poole College
- Brockenhurst College, Ringwood
- Wiltshire College, Salisbury
University
Higher education is available through universities and some colleges. Applications are usually made through UCAS.
Funding
You are eligible for student support if you have been granted leave under the:
- Homes for Ukraine scheme
- Ukraine Family scheme
- the Ukraine Extension scheme
You will be charged ‘home status’ tuition fees, rather than international or overseas fees. Support for students from Ukraine | Undergraduate, Conservatoires | UCAS
You will also qualify for advanced learner loans for further education courses.
You do not need to prove 3 years residence in the UK before the start of your course.