Dorset’s children’s services may be left with a funding gap of up to £3.5 million following the end of a national pilot scheme.
The county had been one of only three first-wave local authorities trialling the Families First Pathfinder programme, which focused on involving wider family and community networks earlier when children faced difficulties.
The pilot brought additional Government funding, which has now ended. Although ministers have promised more money to continue the work, the final amount and timing remain uncertain.
Paul Dempsey, corporate executive director for children’s services, told councillors it was a concern not to have clarity over how much Dorset will receive. He warned rural areas like Dorset could lose out when the national funding is divided.
The county’s programme has already shown measurable success. In 2024 to 2025, the number of children entering care dropped by 22, with fewer children needing child protection plans. Assessments have become more timely, and targeted help is now being offered at earlier stages.
Paula Golding, Dorset’s corporate director for care and protection, said the area not only led the pilot but supported other councils across the South West, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
She said the improvements contributed to Ofsted awarding Dorset an ‘outstanding’ rating earlier this year, with inspectors praising the Families First model.
Additional funding during the pilot also allowed for more youth workers, who are helping to spot issues within families before they escalate.
Councillor Stella Jones said Dorset’s early involvement in the pilot meant children locally had benefited sooner than in other parts of the country.