Parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are being asked to complete a survey on their experiences of education, health and care services and support over the last 12 months. 

The results of the survey – for those caring for children aged 0 and 25 – will help to decide what changes Dorset Council and its partners need to make to the services they provide.

The Parent Carer Forum said: 'Through our partnership with Dorset Council and NHS Dorset we strive for Dorset's children and young people to realise their full potential and be the best they can be.

'The voice of parents and carers is essential and Dorset Parent Carer Council encourages families to complete this survey.

"Hearing your individual experience of education, health and care over the last 12 months is vital to the development of Dorset Council and NHS Dorset future plans to improve services and support for our children and young people who are disabled or have additional needs.

"You have our assurance that your responses will be read and taken into account.

"I really hope that parents and carers reading this will take ten minutes or so to fill in the survey that will help us understand what those improvements are."

The survey has been designed to be as easy as possible to complete so most questions are written as statements you agree or disagree with.

The survey is available to complete online, but families can also ask for a paper version by calling 01305 221066 or emailing [email protected]

Councillor Byron Quayle, portfolio holder for children, education, skills and early help, said: "We want our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to be healthy, happy and safe, and able to achieve their potential to lead a fulfilling life.

"We want them to have, and to expect, the same opportunities in life as other children and young people so we have to do all we can to make sure the right help is in place to make this happen.

"By asking parents and carers where we get it right, and where we need to improve, we can understand where we have to make changes whether that is in health, education or in social care.

"We also want to hear from our children and young people themselves so in the autumn term we will be arranging a series of opportunities for this to happen."

Anyone who completes the survey will have the chance to be entered into a prize draw for Moors Valley gift vouchers.

The closing date for the survey has been extended to midnight on Monday, July 10.