Who to contact for advice and guidance

Devon’s SEND Operations Team (previously called the SEND Statutory Team) carry out EHC needs assessments. They also maintain and review EHCPs.

Call us to speak to a customer service adviser who will be able to assist you or will pass information quickly to the right people in the SEND Operations Team.

If your child has an EHCP, please include the EHCP Hub reference in the subject line of emails.

Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

The Family Information Service is a source of information for parents and carers of all. 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 for childcare or early years provision in your area.

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

Preparing for adulthood is what we call the period when you move from being a child to an adult, which can start from year 9.

Our Transitions Adult Social Care Team (TASC) are here to support young people as they become young adults.

For information, advice and support about the adult social care system in Devon for young people aged 18+ and their families, contact our Adult Social Care teams.

Pre-referral and assessment consultations are available for young people aged 16+,  parents or carers of disabled children, or professionals working with disabled children, young people and their families.

This allows you to talk through your needs (or those of a child or young person you support) and explore what services and support may be helpful from Children’s Services.

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.

Best Start Family Hubs help families across Devon build strong, healthy, and happy lives.

They support children from birth up to age 19 (or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or care experience) by connecting families to local services that support emotional, physical, social, and financial wellbeing.

Support can be accessed online, in person in some areas, or by phone.

The information line is available Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.

DiAS (Devon Information, Advice and Support) 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.

Parent carers can contact DiAS to discuss the support your child is receiving at school.

Young people can contact DiAS directly for information and support from a CYP worker.

The Parent Carer Forum Devon (PCFD) is an independent group of parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Forum works in partnership with Devon County Council, the NHS and other professionals to make sure that services in Devon are accessible and meet the needs of children and their families.

Citizen’s Advice Devon is made up of seven local Citizens Advice charities in Devon.

They  provide free, confidential and impartial advice to help people find a way forward, whatever problems they face.

The Quid for Kids project is a Citizens Advice Devon project, funded by Devon County Council. It 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.

The service is available in the Devon County Council areas of East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon.

Families living outside the area covered by Devon County Council can visit the Local Offer websites of our neighbouring local authorities, for information and advice on support and services available to them.

Find out more about SEND guidance and legislation, and details of national organisations that offer SEND advice and support.