We are pleased to announce that following the completion of Phase 1 of our Inclusion & Learning Redesign, we have successfully appointed the new leadership team.  

We are committed to driving forward our strategic priorities and ensuring the delivery of high-quality support to all schools and settings.  This step marks a significant milestone in our mission to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our education services, bring about positive improvements and strengthen our collaborative efforts. 

Further information about roles and responsibilities will be provided but in the meantime here is a summary of the functions that each role will oversee; 

Education Quality & Inclusion Locality Teams  – a place-based approach to supporting the vision in the new Inclusion & Learning Strategy and the Local Area SEND Strategy to build inclusive learning communities.  The functions in the locality teams include early years and childcare, school effectiveness, attendance, inclusion (section 19 duty), Elective Home Education (EHE), Children Missing Education (CME) and support and advice on special educational needs & disabilities (SEND).

Educational Psychology & Specialist Support Services – bringing together the existing Educational Psychology Service and specialist SEND services focused on children with sensory needs and physical difficulties. Aligned to the same geography as the locality teams.  

SEND Operations – refreshing the existing team to ensure the council meets its statutory duties in relation to education health and care (EHC) assessment and review processes, and improving the collaboration with families.  Aligned to the same geography as the locality teams.  

Education Strategy & Central Operations - a collection of countywide functions that includes school place planning, sufficiency and admissions, commissioning and contracting and the strategy and delivery of the Devon Education Services.  

Virtual School – ensuring that all children in the scope of the Virtual School receive the best education possible. We will be widening the reach of the team to ensure that outcomes are improving for vulnerable children across Devon. 

Our new senior leaders will be managing staff who have not yet been aligned to the new design while simultaneously supporting business continuity and adapting to their new roles.  As we move into Phase 2 of the redesign and extend these changes to the rest of our service, there may be some temporary disruptions to service delivery. We are working diligently to minimise any impact and ensure a smooth transition.  We kindly ask for your support and understanding during this period, as your cooperation is crucial to successfully navigating these changes.   

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.