A new film explains what Devon’s ambitious SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) initiative Experts at Hand is, and how the pilot will work in Devon.
Watch the video on YouTube.
The film features an interview with Dr Rachel Hearn, Assistant Director of Psychology and Specialist Support at Devon County Council, and Phil Randall, Headteacher at St Peter’s Church of England Aided School, Exeter.
Experts at Hand will form part of the national SEND reforms, which will be rolled out over the next three years.
The initiative will see experts including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists and specialist teachers working directly with teachers in mainstream schools to improve inclusion and early support.
The multi-disciplinary team will include educational psychologists from Devon County Council and speech and language therapists and occupational therapists from Child and Family Health Devon.
St Peter’s Church of England Aided School, Special Partnership Trust and WAVE Multi Agency Trust are providing specialist teachers.
The pilot will launch later this term in three learning communities across Devon; Bideford, Exeter and Newton Abbot. Each locality will include a cluster of education providers.
Experts at Hand will not replace the support currently provided to children and young people in mainstream settings who have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or who are waiting for a EHCP needs assessment.
The experts will work together with setting staff to develop skills and confidence in meeting the needs of children with SEND.
Read more about the Experts at Hand initiative on Devon’s SEND Local Offer website.