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

Dorset Council is seeking tenders from capable service providers for a Dorset Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

Dorset Council currently fulfil the statutory responsibility to provide specific information, advice and support (IAS) for special educational needs and disability (SEND) through our in-house SENDIASS. This is a free, impartial service for children and young people aged 0 to 25 years who have SEND, and their parents and carers.

Dorset Council are seeking an external provider to deliver SENDIASS to ensure impartiality, compliance and effective service delivery.

Dorset SENDIASS is part of the national network of SENDIASS organisations. It's overseen by a steering group made up of key stakeholders and is expected to meet the requirements of Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND regulations, minimum standards for IASS 2018 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.

The longer-term vision for children and young people in Dorset is detailed in the Children, Young People and Families Plan 2020 to 2023.