About

Dorset Special Educational Needs and Disability,  Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

We are a free, impartial and confidential service that provides information, advice and support to:

  • children and young people aged from 0 to 25 with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND)
  • parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.

We also work with:

  • the local council in Dorset
  • education and training providers
  • the voluntary sector
  • other agencies

We aim for parents and carers, children and young people to play an informed part in:

  • planning provision
  • agreeing outcomes to meet SEND

What support we can provide:

SENDIASS officers are trained in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

We will help you:

  • express your views for assessments or meetings
  • find other support
  • if there’s a disagreement
  • by listening to your concerns and talking to you about your choices and options

Our service provides:

  • a telephone helpline with 24-hour voicemail
  • email advice line
  • face-to-face support
  • help to prepare for meetings
  • written information
  • signposting to other services and people who can help
  • support through the Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan process

For further information or advice please contact us

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In need of mental health support? View our information and signposting page

Annual SENDIASS Report

Read our latest annual SENDIASS report: Annual Report 2023-24