What are they?
A multi-professional, solution focused discussion with SEND advisory teachers, Educational Psychologists, the SEND Statutory team and other services including Inclusion, Education Well-being, Early Help and Early Years advisers.
The 30 minutes Teams consultations will facilitate a discussion around any questions or concerns you have related to SEND practice and provision within your setting and will provide advice, support and signposting. Specifically, settings are encouraged to book a consultation to discuss:
- any concerns around SEND or Inclusion for an individual or cohort of children, as part of a Graduated Response
- issues affecting attendance
- whether an EHCNA would be an appropriate next step
- next steps and further support where an EHCNA has been declined or there has been a decision not to issue an EHCP
Who can book a SEND support consultation?
SEND support consultations are available for all schools and settings to book: Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post-16, maintained schools, MATs, registered Alternative Provisions, independent and special schools.
When do they take place?
SEND support consultations take place every Tuesday and Wednesday from 12-4.30pm.
- Tuesday – Early Years and Primary Settings
- Wednesday – Secondary and Post-16 settings
If you can’t attend on the set day for your setting type, you are welcome to book onto the alternative day, however some teams will only be in attendance on certain days (e.g. Early Years advisers will only attend on a Tuesday).
How do I book?
Choose your preferred time slot and complete the information required. Where possible, please gain verbal consent from the family to discuss individual cases. Where consent has not been given, we can discuss cases anonymously.
Frequently Asked Questions
SEND Support Consultations FAQ’s
North Devon SEND and Inclusion Drop-ins FAQ’s
What will happen during a SEND support consultation?
You will be asked to outline the situation you want to discuss. All those present in the meeting may then ask some further questions or may put forward ideas for problem solving and further support. At the end of the session, there will be 2 or 3 agreed next steps to help move the situation forwards.
Feedback from attendees
“Having a range of SEN knowledge and expertise to talk things through was great. I was able to go away with some useful things to try that will hopefully be impactful for the young person.
“I was very grateful for the platform and freedom to be able to draw from such extensive experience and expertise.”
“It was helpful to look with fresh eyes and for our teachers to hear advice from professionals that supports them to develop their practice and be open to new ideas.”
“Everyone was really helpful and supportive and gave me brilliant ideas from a broader external perspective which was really helpful.”
Advice for parents and carers
DiAS (Devon, Information, Advice and Support) supports children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers. DiAS is an impartial and confidential service. Their aim is to empower parents and carers to help them feel confident making informed decisions about their child’s education. They also support children and young people too, ensuring their views are heard and understood, thereby enabling them to make decisions about their future.
Tel: 01392 383080 or email: devonias@devon.gov.uk