Elm Academy

SEND Local Offer

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council - SEND Local Offer

  • Website: The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole SEND Local Offer - BCP Council
  • Overview: The BCP Council's SEND Local Offer provides information on education, health, and social care services available to children and young people (up to 25 years old) with SEND. It includes guidance on how to access support, local SEND schools, and additional services available for families.
  • Key Features:
    • Information on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
    • Support for transitioning to adulthood.
    • Information on local groups, resources, and funding options.

BCP SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

  • Website: SENDiass4BCP - SENDiass4BCP
  • Overview: SENDIASS offers free, impartial, and confidential information, advice, and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs or disabilities. They can assist with issues like EHCPs, educational placement disputes, and understanding SEND law.
  • Services:
    • Independent advice about SEND processes.
    • Support with EHCPs, including assessments and reviews.
    • Mediation services for disagreements with schools or local authorities.

The SEND Family Support Service

Parent Carer Forum - Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC)

  • Website: Dorset Parent Carer Council
  • Overview: The Dorset Parent Carer Council represents parents and carers of children with SEND across the whole of Dorset, including Bournemouth. They offer resources, advice, and opportunities for parents to share experiences and offer feedback on local SEND services.
  • Support Offered:
    • Regular parent meetings and workshops.
    • Campaigning for improvements in SEND services.
    • Updates on SEND news and policy changes.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) - Dorset Branch

  • Website: National Autistic Society - Dorset
  • Overview: The NAS offers local support in Dorset for families of children with autism, including support groups, training for parents, and information on navigating educational settings for children with autism.
  • Services:
    • Autism-specific advice and support.
    • Workshops and events for parents.
    • Help with navigating education systems, including EHCPs.

Turn Up BCP

Website: Turn up - UP in BCP

A youth-led initiative aimed at improving the lives and opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) area.

Key Points:

  • Youth-Led: Turn Up BCP involves young people with SEND directly in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard when it comes to shaping local services and support.
  • Focus on Inclusion: The initiative works to promote inclusion, equality, and accessibility for SEND young people in the community, particularly in areas such as education, social activities, and employment.
  • Services and Support: It helps young people with SEND to access services, develop skills, and find opportunities for social engagement and employment.
  • Partnerships: Turn Up BCP collaborates with local authorities, schools, charities, and support organizations to ensure young people with SEND receive tailored support.

Activities:

  • Organizing social events and workshops.
  • Providing mentoring and career advice.
  • Offering opportunities for self-advocacy and leadership development.

For more information, you can visit the

Contact (formerly Contact a Family)

    • Website: https://contact.org.uk
    • Provides a wealth of resources and advice for families of children with SEND, including information on benefits, local services, and educational rights.

IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice)

Offers free, confidential advice to parents of children with SEND, focusing on education law and how to challenge local authorities regarding SEND services