Local Offer Live (26 May 2023) – Summary of closing address Q&A segment

Dorset Council invited parents, carers, and young people to take part in a conversation alongside senior leaders around services for children and young people with SEND. 

 

What are the council doing to support home educated families and to raise awareness of Home Working with education professionals?

Everyone should feel a sense of belonging in their local education community. We acknowledge the sharp increase in the number of parents opting for home education. Our aim is to ensure all home educators have necessary support and information. While acknowledging existing challenges, we're collaborating with government departments to enhance resources. We are working on improving understanding of elective home education among our workforce. We aim to better understand families' choices and provide effective support alternatives. We're committed to assisting parents in meeting their children's educational needs, regardless of the chosen setting.

What are you doing to support young people who are transitioning from childhood to adulthood?

We are working to better support families in understanding the changes associated with transitioning to adulthood, covering topics like banking, housing, and healthcare. Our transitions roadshows provide a platform for parents, carers, and young people to engage with experts from Dorset Council and NHS Dorset and other organisations facilitating planning for adult life. These roadshows cater to individuals in specialist provision, ensuring their needs are addressed. As part of our Birth to Settled Adulthood programme, we are committed to providing residents with the necessary support and resources for this crucial phase of life.

What is the key working project and how does it support children with learning disabilities and autism?

The key working project in Dorset focuses on children and young people with learning disabilities and autism, along with their families. Its primary goal is to provide timely support and prevent crises. Funded by NHS Dorset, this initiative aims to develop a key working model that aligns with existing roles and functions within the system. By 2023/24, all children and young people with learning disabilities or autism in inpatient settings will have a named key worker.

What will be done with the information gathered from the surveys and the Local Offer live feedback?

We highly appreciate the feedback we receive from our families, utilising it to consistently enhance our offerings. The Local Offer Live has proven to be a valuable platform for us to gather insights from our families. These insights will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing our Local Offer in the future. This is an ongoing process, and we will continue to seek your valuable feedback and suggestions and keep you updated in the process.  

Our next opportunity to do that is at our “Let’s Talk: SEND in Dorset” event happening on 8 March 2024.

How do you envision education in Dorset responding to the challenges of difficult times, especially after the pandemic?

Now more than ever, fostering shared experiences and a sense of belonging is crucial for both children and young people. The education community in Dorset is committed to being positive influences in children's lives, playing a supportive role. This commitment results in practical strategies and plans, prioritising the well-being of families. It goes beyond traditional education, acknowledging diverse learning environments within schools and communities. The focus is on flexibility in education, creating inclusive settings that go beyond physical locations, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging.

What work is happening in the education space?

Initiatives include projects on autism in schools, exploring neurodiversity, and improving mental health support. We emphasise the importance of deep inclusion, beyond traditional grading, and work closely with special schools to share expertise with mainstream environments.  

Our Education Board is already up and running and functioning well, and we’re pleased to say that we’re about to launch a SEND board which will help to hold us accountable and to ensure that we continue to improve our services – this will include representatives from our internal teams, schools and key partners.  

What were the key outcomes of the 2023 SEND Survey?

In 2023, we conducted a survey with our SEND families, we appreciate all those who have taken the time to participate.  
 
Some key findings are: 

  • 49% have confidence in support for special educational needs 
  • 43% feel their child's needs are identified on time 
  • 24% believe there is effective collaboration between parents and practitioners in Dorset 
  • 66% feel involved in EHCP discussions 
  • 62% know who to contact about their child's EHC Plan 
  • 54% are confident in describing education needs in EHCP review 

We will shortly be hosting an event, to share our future plans based on the results and to allow you to ask any questions you may have, once the recording is available, we will make it available here.