Dorset Council unveils SEND reform plan to enhance local support
Three-year initiative aims to reduce costs and improve accessibility
Dorset Council is set to consider a transformative three-year plan aimed at improving support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by fostering local solutions and enhancing early intervention.
The Local Area SEND Reform Plan, spanning 2026 to 2029, seeks to move away from costly, reactive systems towards stronger mainstream inclusion and comprehensive local specialist provision.
Due for Cabinet discussion on 28th July, the plan—if approved by the Government—could alleviate 90% of Dorset Council’s High Needs Block deficit, ending 2025/26 at around £150 million.
Key proposals include strengthening support within mainstream schools, formulating an Inclusion Charter, expanding Inclusion Bases, and introducing "Dorset's Expertise Offer."
A multidisciplinary approach to early intervention features educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and specialist teachers, providing timely support without requiring Education, Health and Care Plans.
The initiative aims for children to remain within their communities, reducing reliance on expensive independent and out-of-area placements.
With a 136% increase in local EHCPs since 2015, Dorset faces greater pressure compared to the national average increase of 93%.
Projected costs for independent and non-maintained special schools were £34.1 million for 2026/27, approximately a quarter of total High Needs Block expenditures. Individual placements run between £30,000 to £64,000 per pupil.
The reform expects to decrease placements in independent schools from 527 in 2026 to about 463 by 2029/30, bolstered by additional local facilities.
Early estimates indicate significant cost savings, reducing independent placement costs by £1 million annually by 2028/29, alongside slowing EHCP growth and reducing statutory intervention demand.
Phased implementation begins in 2026/27 with the Expertise Offer launch, Inclusion Charter agreement, and Inclusion Base expansion, working towards full mainstream capability by 2028/29.
Dorset Council anticipates Department for Education approval in September, with a second chance in November for revised plan submissions if necessary.