In 2011, Genuine Partnerships (a not-for-profit community interest company from Rotherham made up of practitioners, parent carers and young people working together as equal partners) developed ‘The Four Cornerstones’ based on research involving children and young people with SEND and their families.
It has been adopted nationally and Genuine Partnerships works with Contact (a charity for families with disabled children) to deliver training in local areas.
Devon is adopting this tried and tested approach to embed a new culture which focuses on rebuilding trust and positive relationships.
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.
They were developed with parents, carers and young people, and are now being used in Devon to help rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and create more positive experiences.
Through this approach, we want to improve the way that we:
Welcome and care
You feel comfortable, treated kindly, and your concerns are taken seriously.
Value and include
Your views matter and you are involved in decisions that affect you.
Communicate
People explain things clearly, listen well and keep you updated.
Work in partnership
Everyone works together, with you, to plan the right support.
Share your experiences
Families can share their experiences after any connection with us by saying how things felt against the Four Cornerstones. This could be after a conversation, a meeting, receiving information or a decision, or contact with any education, health or care service.
You can also tell the person or support service you have been in contact with, and they can record your feedback for you.
Your feedback helps us to understand your experience so that we can keep improving the support you receive.