CHILDREN with additional needs being educated in the Dorset Council area cause no disadvantage to local children – according to a senior councillor.

Weymouth councillor Cllr Clare Sutton, whose brief includes children’s services and education, says there have always been children educated outside the council area – with children from other areas coming into Dorset for services.

Cllr Sutton was answering a question from Cllr Byron Quayle who wanted to know if local children were being ‘impacted’ by the cross-border movement of pupils with Education Health and Care Plans.

“There is movement of children in both directions, we do not feel there is a particularly adverse impact on Dorset children, but as per our strategy we continue to work towards keeping more of our children close to home,” said Cllr Sutton in a formal response to the question.

She revealed that the latest Census figures, from May 2024, showed a total of 225 children from other local authorities with an EHCP being educated in Dorset, of which 120 were from neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area.

Cllr Sutton said Dorset Council currently fund 675 Dorset children with an EHCP in other council areas, including 339 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

Said Cllr Sutton: “There is pressure on appropriate educational provision for children with an EHCP nationally, and therefore some movement of children across borders.

"Our team has a comprehensive plan, working with partners and schools, and our overarching strategy is that, wherever possible, children’s needs are met locally so they can attend along with their neighbours and friends.”

Cllr Sutton says that according to census data, between May 2021 and May 2024 Dorset saw a 5% drop in BCP children being educated in Dorset.