Coronavirus (COVID-19)

During the coming weeks, we know that some schools and colleges are closing or partially closing, which will affect EHC assessments, EHCP reviews and provision in school during this time. All of our advice for schools and parents about Coronavirus and its impact on SEND is available here.

Devon Information Advice and Support (DiAS) also offer information about coronavirus, school, education and SEND.

Short breaks

Disabled children and young people have the right to be supported at home and in their local communities, to have opportunities to make and meet friends, feel confident, and to thrive with a good family life.

Short breaks help to do this by giving an opportunity for children and young people to meet new people, take part in activities, enjoy positive learning opportunities and have different experiences whilst giving their families a break from their caring responsibilities.

The government requires every local authority to produce a ‘short breaks statement’ so that disabled children, young people and their families know what services are available and how they can access them.

You can find everything you need to know about short breaks, including what they are, who they are for and how to access them, in our short breaks statement.

Get involved in our short breaks co-design

We want to make sure short breaks really work for children, young people and families in Devon so we’re asking for your help.

We want to listen to children, young people, families and providers of services to:

  • understand the support you get now and how well it is working
  • work together with disabled children and young people, families and providers to think creatively about how to support families to have a good family life

Your views, comments and thoughts are really important in helping shape the future of the service together.

Find out more about how you can get involved here.