Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We would like to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the situation and working with the government and NHS.

For guidance on coronavirus and the latest information for Devon, visit Devon County Council’s coronavirus (COVID-19) advice pages.

Latest Update: What you need to know about returning to school and college

Requests for Statutory Assessments

Schools/colleges and parents will still be able to request a statutory assessment. If professionals are already involved with the child or young person, and the education provider has been implementing the advice they have provided, it is likely that there will be evidence to support a full assessment of need. We will then be able to describe any needs and provision.

In some cases, there may not be any professional evidence of needs yet. This will make it more difficult, as schools/colleges are closing and so professionals will not be able to see your child to assess them in the usual way. In these cases, you may need to think about whether this is the most appropriate time to make the request.

Assessments

When we decide that we need to complete a statutory assessment, we usually ask a range of people (like teachers, educational psychologists, and other professionals) for advice. This will be more difficult because:

  • health and care staff may be asked to work in front line services instead of their usual role
  • professionals may not be available – they may be sick, self-isolating or caring for children
  • Educational Psychologists will not be able to see and assess children and young people in school/college in the usual way

The SEN 0-25 Team will keep working but with less people than normal, doing our best to make the right decisions for children and young people. We will try hard to keep parents updated where there are any problems. Parents can also access the EHC Hub and will be able to see the progress
https://ehchub-devon.openobjects.com/.

Issuing EHCPs:

It will be harder for us to consult with schools/colleges to name in an EHC Plan because of school/college closures and less teachers being available. Where we have completed an assessment and we are due to issue a final EHC Plan, we will most likely name the current school/college for now. This will mean that the child or young person will still be supported by that school/college during the COVID-19 crisis.

The SEN 0-25 Team will work together with schools/colleges to make sure that children, young people and their families feel safe and supported.

For further support:

SEN team, (parents and schools)
Email:specialeducation0-25-mailbox@devon.gov.uk 
Phone:01392 380434 available 10.00am – 12.00am and 2.00 – 4.00 pm Monday to Friday.

Devon Information and Advice DIAS (parents)
https://www.devonias.org.uk 
Email:devonias@devon.gov.uk
Phone:01392 383080 available 10.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday

Babcock LDP (schools)
Email:LDP-SencoHelpline@babcockinternational.com
Phone:SEND Helpline 01392 287248 (daily during term time)
SEND adviser:07845 052488