In Devon we have a team of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) advisory teachers who work with schools to adapt teaching and learning to meet the needs of a whole class or group of children and improve SEND provision in general.
We also have specialist advisory teachers and other education specialists who go into schools and other educational settings, to support with provision for individual pupils. Your child’s school will need to request this support.
Communication and interaction team
The Communication and interaction (C and I) Team consists of highly qualified and experienced advisory teachers, a speech and language therapist, a pre-5 autism specialist and specialist support assistants.
We offer support, advice and guidance for children and young people where autism and speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) is the primary need.
We work in partnership with educational settings from 0-25, as well as individual children and their families. Where possible this is in partnership with other agencies in education, health and social care.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) team
The SEMH Team (previously known as the Behaviour Support Team) takes a lead role in developing provision for young people with SEMH needs within schools and settings. The team consists of experienced advisory teachers, family workers and specialist behaviour support workers, who are all strategically situated around the county.
Sensory and/or physical needs team
The Sensory or physical needs team support children and young people (aged 0-25), in their homes, pre-schools, nurseries and all educational settings including special schools.
They offer teaching, support, advice, training, early help and interventions for children and young people from 0-25, where a physical difficulty, visual, hearing or multi-sensory impairment is having an impact on their ability to access education.
Educational psychologists
Educational psychologists (EPs) use specialist psychological knowledge and skills to promote the development, learning, achievement and well-being of children and young people from 0 – 25 years.
Devon SpLD
Devon SpLD is Devon’s advisory team for pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia) and their teaching staff, is based at Queen Elizabeth’s School. The service focuses on supporting schools to meet the needs of children struggling with severe literacy difficulties.