Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of waiting times for Education, Health and Care Plans on children in West Dorset.

The latest data, from June 2025, covering 2024, shows Dorset completed 60.2% of education, health and care plans within statutory timescales, compared to a national average of 46.4%. The department recognises the importance of children and young people receiving support as early as possible and continues to monitor local authority performance, providing support and challenge where needed.

We are reforming the special educational needs and disabilities system to ensure children get the right support in early years settings, schools, and colleges, with help available earlier and closer to home. This includes strengthening mainstream provision through a universal offer of high-quality teaching, alongside targeted support so children can access help without unnecessary delays.

These reforms are supported by significant investment of £1.6 billion to improve inclusivity in mainstream settings, £1.8 billion over three years for a new ‘Experts at Hand’ service, and over £200 million for workforce training. Together, these changes will deliver more timely and effective support.