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.

Medical Conditions

My child has medical needs – what does this mean for their education?

Devon County Council has an Education for Children with Medical Needs policy. It describes statutory responsibilities in assessing the needs of children who are unable to attend school. It also describes how we make suitable provision to address those needs. We work closely with medical professionals and the child’s family. We will consider the medical evidence from both Clinical Consultants and General Practitioners (GPs).

“LAs are responsible for arranging suitable full-time education for children of compulsory school age who, because of illness, would not receive suitable education without such provision. This applies whether or not the child is on the roll of a school and whatever the type of school they attend. It applies to children who are pupils in Academies, Free Schools, special schools and independent schools as well as those in maintained schools.”

“suitable” = suitable to the child’s age, aptitude, ability and any special educational needs that he or she may have.
“full time” = unless the local authority considers that a pupil’s condition means that full-time provision would not be in his or her best interests.
The use of electronic media – such as ‘virtual classrooms’, learning platforms and so on – can provide access to a broader curriculum.

Source: Ensuring a Good Education for Pupils who Cannot Attend school due to medical conditions

My child is in hospital

The Devon Hospitals Short Stay School provides education for children whose medical needs mean they have a long stay in hospital in Devon. The school teaches on two sites:

Bramble Unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter
Caroline Thorpe Ward at the North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple.

This school aims to provide continuity of education and works with children, families, medical professionals and schools to do this. Specialist teachers will work with children and young people to create an individual learning plan.