Who to contact for advice and guidance

The Devon Information, Advice and Support (DIAS) service provides an impartial, confidential and free service for parents, children and young people.

They can help you to understand more about the SEND support that is available and ensure that your views about the support you receive are listened to.

The Family Information Service is a source of information for parents and carers of children in Devon. It includes registered childcare and other services and support for all children, young people and parents (not just those with SEND).

You can search Pinpoint Devon for childcare or early years provision in your area.

We also provide a service to help families who are struggling to find suitable childcare.

You can contact the Devon Information, Advice and Support service to discuss the support your child is receiving at school.

If you are unable to make arrangements for school transport, or if you have any questions, please speak to a member of the Transport Team.

Contact Devon’s SEN 0-25 Team. They carry out EHC needs assessments and maintain and review EHCPs.

You can contact a member of staff in the SEN 0-25 Team from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm.

Contact the Disabled Children’s Service (DCS) for more information about accessing support.

If you are unable to contact your social worker please phone:

• Duty DCS Exeter: 01392 386183
• Duty DCS East and Mid Devon: 01392 386183
• Duty DCS South Devon: 01803 763635
• Duty DCS North Devon: 01271 384180

If the young person is in the Support and Advice team and you are unable to contact their named worker please phone 01392 385276.

If you need to contact a direct payment coordinator, please call 01392 383000 and ask for Claire Key, Debbie Setherton or Rebecca Kelly. Alternatively please email childsc.disabledchildrens-directpayments-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

If you need some help registering or just want some more information about the Disability Network please get in touch.

If you have any questions about the services provided by the Preparing for Adulthood Team or would like advice about making a referral please get in touch for an informal chat.

Care Direct offers information, advice and support about the adult social care system in Devon for young people aged 18+ and their families.

The Quid for Kids project can help you by assessing whether you are able to claim benefits as well as helping you challenge benefit decisions if you think you have not been treated fairly.

There are family support groups listed on Pinpoint Devon which have been identified as able to offer support to parents of children and young people with SEND.