A LOCAL mum has said that an education advice line helped her to understand and give support for her daughter's severe anxiety.

Sarah, from west Dorset, was concerned about her daughter's educational progress as she had developed severe anxiety over the last year, which resulted in her missing a significant amount of school.

She says that Dorset Council's Dorset Education and Advice Line (DEAL) put her in contact with the special educational needs and disability (SEND) family worker Claudia, who helped her understand the challenges her daughter faces and to talk through some advice to see what support can be organised.

As a result her daughter now has support in place to help her take part in some educational activities, which Sarah felt helped immensely and is also going to school occasionally outside of normal school hours to get used to the environment - working towards attending full time.

Monthly meetings have also been set up so that Sarah, her partner, the school and Dorset Council's inclusion team can check-in on her daughter and coordinate their support.

Sarah said: "I felt listened to and supported.

"I’m so glad that there is now a plan in place for my daughter."

DEAL was launched in October last year as a line for parents and carers who are worried their child might not be making the progress they should be, or who may believe their child might have emerging special educational needs.

To date, they’ve spoken with approximately 60 Dorset families, talking to them about their worries and concerns to make sure they get the right help, at the right time.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help said: "The Education Advice Line will help to ensure that families and professionals work together at the earliest opportunity to engage in early identification and universal support for families in Dorset.

"If you are concerned about your child’s academic progress, or social and emotional development, then please do get in touch.

"Our Special Educational Needs Family Workers are here to listen, offer advice and can talk through your concerns with you."

You can book a 15 minute appointment with a SEND family worker using their online form, or if you aren't able to do so, you can call freephone 0800 1404041 to get help help setting one up.