Devon County Council has pledged to overhaul its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services after years of challenges that have left families frustrated and trust broken.
Cllr Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services with responsibility for SEND, said the past six months have been focused on rebuilding relationships and laying the foundations for lasting change.
She was addressing Devon County Councillors at a meeting of its Full Council this afternoon (Wednesday 4 December).
Councillor Bickley said:
“SEND is an incredibly complex area, and for too long the system has been failing families.
“We are turning the massive container ship away from the rocks and back onto the right course. That means putting children at the heart of everything we do.”
Councillors heard that since taking on the role, Cllr Bickley has visited schools, met SENCOs and headteachers, attended voluntary group workshops, and spoken directly with parents, including at an open meeting in Tiverton with families and their MP.
“These conversations are never easy, but they are essential,” she said.
“We need all partners, education, health, and parents, to collaborate, listen, and work together.
“There is an enormous amount of work to do, and significant risk if we don’t get it right.
“But we are ready for the challenge. Our goal is a sustainable, robust SEND system that works for every child and family in Devon.”