For some children and young people more specialist help and interventions may be needed, over and above the advice available to all schools, and the targeted and targeted plus help available from local support services.
Specialist inclusion and SEND support Services
A number of support services are available to help schools provide more specialist Inclusion and SEND support.
Educational Psychology Service
Devon’s Educational Psychology Service provides a range of support to schools, whether for a particular child or young person, or to improve the knowledge, expertise, and practice within an individual school or academy, MAT, or federation.
The EP Service provides psychological advice as part of an education, health and care needs assessment. We are also funded to undertake specific tasks, such as supporting schools in the event of a critical incident.
EHC needs assessments
Most children’s needs will be well met within the ordinarily available inclusive provision and targeted provision within schools. For some children with significant and persistent needs, more joint assessment and planning may be needed via an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA).
The Educational Psychology Service is commissioned to provide assessment and advice as part of an EHCNA.
Critical incident support
The EP service provides support to schools and settings following a sudden and unexpected traumatic event which may overwhelm usual coping mechanisms.
Further information can be found in our critical incident pack.
Special Partnership Trust Outreach Support
Devon County Council is working in partnership with the Special Partnership Trust (SPT) to strengthen support for children and young people with identified special educational needs, whose needs are supported through an EHCP. Through this partnership, schools can access specialist expertise to help develop inclusive practice, build staff confidence, and enhance provision across the whole school.
The Special Partnership Trust provides both strategic and individual support. At an individual level, outreach support can be provided for children and young people with complex needs, helping school staff identify strengths, understand barriers to learning, and implement effective support strategies. Where schools require specific support for individual pupils, they should discuss this with their Inclusion Partner.
Front Door
The Devon Front Door incorporates the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) – Children’s Services’ first point of contact and the start of the child and family’s social care journey.
The Front Door receives all requests for early help and safeguarding from people who are worried and concerned for children. These requests can come from professionals, such as the Police, Education and Health, but also members of the public, family members and young people themselves.
Professionals contacting the Front Door to report a safeguarding concern or to request targeted level 3 support for a Family Intervention Worker, a Youth Intervention Worker or support from a Best Start Family Hub will be asked to complete a request for support.
Make a request for support or report a child safety concern.
Children and Family Health Devon – urgent help
Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) is an NHS service that provides support for the physical and mental health needs of children, young people and their families across Devon.