Children with special educational needs and disabilities in Dorset could receive earlier support closer to home under a new three-year reform plan from Dorset Council.
The Local Area SEND Reform Plan, covering 2026 to 2029, proposes moving away from a reactive, high-cost system towards earlier intervention, stronger mainstream inclusion and more local specialist provision.
If approved by the Government, the plan could see 90 per cent of Dorset Council’s High Needs Block deficit written off, allowing the council to reshape support for children and young people with SEND and put the system on a more sustainable footing.
Proposals include strengthening support in mainstream schools, developing a shared Inclusion Charter, improving workforce training, expanding Inclusion Bases and introducing Dorset’s Expertise Offer.
Multi-disciplinary teams would provide earlier support to schools and families, aiming to help more children remain in their communities and reduce reliance on expensive out-of-area placements.
The council expects the number of independent school placements to fall as more local provision becomes available, with annual Education, Health and Care Plan growth slowing and improved outcomes for children.
The programme would be introduced in phases, with a decision from the Department for Education expected in September.
