Here’s how the Educational Psychology and Specialist Support service have been using your voices to strengthen their inclusive practise.
Families and practitioners told us that, at times, processes could feel unclear, jargon-heavy and difficult to access. Some parents said they did not always feel fully prepared for meetings or confident about what would happen next.
In response, the Educational Psychology and Specialist Support service has been working together to embed the Four Cornerstones approach across all areas of practice. This includes Educational Psychology and Sensory and Physical teams working in partnership with families, schools and partners to co-produce improvements.
We have made a number of changes based directly on feedback. These include clearer information for families before meetings, such as Joint Assessment Meeting (JAM) letters and guidance, and one-page profiles and videos introducing our professionals. These changes are intended to support understanding and reduce anxiety, so families feel more welcomed.
We have also set up the Language Matters group to improve how we communicate, ensuring that language is respectful, accessible and meaningful for families. Across teams, there has been a strong focus on co-production, with JAMs supporting shared understanding and enabling families to shape outcomes and provision.
The impact of this work is positive. Parents report feeling listened to, respected and included, with evaluation showing that JAMs now support a clearer understanding of children’s needs and next steps. Feedback also highlights that reports are more accessible and reflect discussions accurately, with families valuing the relational, strengths-based approach. Visit reports are increasingly being co-produced with parents, ensuring parental expertise shapes planning and aligns outcomes with family aspirations.
One parent shared, “It is a comfort to know you are there for us with all of your knowledge and contacts.”
The Sensory and Physical team has also continued to deliver inclusive events that build confidence, skills and community for children and families. Parents value opportunities for peer support, while children experience success and develop new skills.
One parent commented, “Yet another great day, my child loves being around other children with similar needs, and we hadn’t tried a sports wheelchair before, they were great fun!”
This work is ongoing. We are continuing to strengthen communication, increase opportunities for children and young people to share their views, and develop partnership working across services. By listening to families and working together, we are building a more inclusive system where every voice helps shape what happens next.
The Four Cornerstones tell us how children and young people with SEND, and their families, should be treated whenever they connect with a support service in Devon County Council, the NHS, or a school.
If you’ve been in contact with any of the services in the Devon SEND offer, you can share feedback about your experience through the short Four Cornerstones survey.
