Got questions about SEND education? We’re here to help! 

Families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are invited to an interactive online session about education options with senior members of the Dorset Council SEND team. 

The session will take place on 13 March at 11:30 am, and families can sign up via the Dorset Council website. 

These online sessions occur roughly once every half term and aim to make the SEND system easier to navigate.  

They also provide an opportunity for families to have a two-way conversation with senior staff, share honest feedback, and discuss their experiences of caring for children with additional needs. 

This month’s session will focus on “education provision” and will be particularly valuable for parents and carers considering right educational setting for their children. 

Beth Whittaker, Corporate Director for Education and Learning, will host the session. 

She will be joined by headteachers from a Dorset mainstream school, a special school, and a learning centre. 

Learning centres teach children who aren't currently able to attend school, these are usually short-term solutions aimed at re-integrating children back into their local mainstream school.  

Each speaker will share insights into the benefits and challenges of their settings to help parents and carers make well-informed decisions about their children’s education. 

Cllr. Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, said: 

“We understand that navigating the SEND system can be challenging, and we know that families want the very best for their children. 

“By holding these sessions, we hope to provide a welcoming and supportive space where people can ask questions and get the answers they need.” 

To sign up for the next session, families can register at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lets-talk-send. 

Questions can be pre-submitted by clicking here. 

Anyone who registers will be able to watch the recording, even if they can’t attend the event live, as well as being able to get any follow-up materials.