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There has been lots of change for the DiAS team over the last few months as we put in place our new helpline enquiries service. So far, it's working well and the feedback we have had has been positive - many people who contact us have their queries answered on the same day. We're pleased to say that we're now able to give help and support in a more timely way. You can find out more in the news item below.
We're saying hello and goodbye to staff in the team too. Rosie Giles has joined us to be our first Information and Advice Triage Officer. Rosie's role is to deal with enquiries as they come into the service, so many of you will no doubt be speaking to her when you contact us. She will be able to give expert information and advice about SEND issues and will have the same legal training as our DiAS Officers.
We're saying goodbye to Megan Kenneally-Stone, our Ambassador Volunteer Co-ordinator. Working with DiAS and the Parent Carer Forum, Megan set up the Ambassador Volunteer programme in 2019, just before Covid, and she has been instrumental in it's success. She leaves having trained more than 50 volunteers, most of whom are providing valuable information and insight within their local SEND communities. It's a great network of parents and professionals providing much needed support to SEND families.
Our web information for children and young people
It’s important for children and young people to have their views heard. The law stresses how important it is that children take part as fully as possible in the decisions made about them.
DiAS now has a wealth of information aimed specifically at children and young people. Our website has a dedicated section for young people. Along with details of the service we offer, there is also information about:
- taking part in decision making – getting help at school and going to meetings, sharing your views and going to a new school
- EHC needs assessments, plans and reviews
- looking after yourself – staying health, mental health, study skills, staying safe online and getting out and about
We have created the information to answer the questions young people ask us every day, and it is developed with input from other services, DiAS staff and young people themselves.
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Feedback on our new and improved telephone and email enquiry service is positive
Last term we introduced a new way of delivering our enquiry service by launching a new helpline type approach. The aim is to help more families get the expert advice they need, when they need it, while at the same time keeping waiting times down.
Feedback on the new way of working has been positive. Most enquirers are able to speak to, or hear from, one of our enquiries team within 48 hours of contacting us. Since January we’ve dealt with over 1000 enquiries.
Here is some direct feedback from a couple of service users.
“Thank you so much to the team who have made such a difference to my family's outlook on my son’s immediate future with his health care complex needs. I cannot believe how much of a difference was made with one phone call!”
“Thanks so much for your time and for the wonderful job you are all doing there. Absolutely priceless. You're all like little nuggets of gold in the mud of the SEN system.”
The enquiry line is open 10am-3pm Monday to Friday and our web contact form is available 24/7.
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DiAS parent training session dates are now live for next term. Book your place now!
All sessions are online and free of charge. Find out how to book on our website.
EHCP Review Myth busting
Have you got an annual review of your child’s EHC plan coming up? Find out what you need to know and do.
Wednesday 3rd May 2023 - 10.30-12.30
Demystifying SEND
This information session is for parents and carers of children with SEND, about how to find clear information and support.
Tuesday 25th April 2023- 10.30-12.30
Listening to your Child’s Views
Helping a child with SEND express how they feel about school.
Tuesday 9th May 10.30-12.30
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Introducing the Transitions Adult Social Care (TASC) service
There are many teams across Devon County Council supporting young people through their transition into adult care services. They are changing and improving the transition pathway for young people in Devon.
As part of this year-long transformation project, the Preparing for Adulthood (PFA) service is going to be called the Transitions Adult Social Care (TASC) service from Saturday 1 April 2023.
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Devon County Council’s new CEO starts in her role
Donna Manson joins the County Council from her role as Chief Executive of The Highland Council, Scotland’s largest rural authority. There, Donna led the Highland Council and prior to that, she was a Director of Children’s Services and a Head Teacher.
Her top priority for Devon is to deliver significant improvement to Devon’s Children’s Services. Donna has already been out and about visiting council staff across Devon. She has also met face to face with parents and families of SEND children over the last few weeks.
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Do you know what the public health nursing team can offer?
Devon Public Health Nursing provides health visiting and school nursing services across Devon. The team is made up of health visitors, school nurses, staff nurses and community health workers.
There are four local hubs in Devon and parents and professionals can contact these directly for advice. There is also a texting service specifically for parents or carers - text 07520 631 721 to get confidential information and advice from a health visitor. Young people can contact a school nurse through a secure, confidential text messaging service, ChatHealth on 0752 063 1722. Information about their services and further advice and support can be found on:
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Devon SEND Improvement Family Engagement Session
Devon County Council are inviting parent carers of children and young people with SEND to join session to discuss how SEND support can be improved, both now and in the future. You can now book a place at the remaining session this April.
Bishops Nympton Parish Hall - Monday 24th April, 11am
These sessions are the first set in a series being held throughout the year, so if you cannot make one of these, please keep an eye out for future dates. There will also be a virtual version taking place at a later date for people who are unable to attend in person.
The sessions will include service leads from NHS Devon, Devon County Council and Children and Family Health Devon. The actions in the Devon SEND Improvement Plan will be outlined, before breaking into groups to discuss how everyone can work together with parents to deliver it.
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SEND and alternative provision (AP) improvement plan
The Department for Education has recently published their SEND and alternative provision improvement plan. It sets out the Government's plans to change the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision system in England.
This plan sets out a road map to transform the SEND and AP system:
- establishing a single national system that delivers for every child and young person with SEND
- giving families greater confidence that their child will be supported to fulfil their potential through improved mainstream provision
- ensuring children and young people with SEND who need an Education, Health and Care Plan and specialist provision get prompt access to the support they need
- strengthening accountability across the system
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Mental health and school absence guidance published
The Department for Education has published guidance about school absence due to mental health issues. It makes clear the expectations on school staff, trustees/governing bodies, parents/carers and Local Authorities (LAs) where a child or young person has social, emotional or mental health issues that are affecting their attendance. This guidance applies to any pupils displaying any social, emotional or mental health issue that is affecting their attendance. It is not only for pupils who have a diagnosed mental health need or a disability or special educational need.
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