Summer term 2025
Make your Mark youth vote
DCC launched their Devon wide vote on the issues that matter to young people, and would love to have some home ed voices in there.
Find out more on the DCC Facebook Post.
You may think that ‘democracy’ and politics feels very far away and nothing to do with you, but just because you are young, you still have the right to be heard and to influence decisions that are made about your life. This can happen on an individual, local and national level. One way of doing this is taking part in the annual Make your Mark youth vote.
The Make your Make youth vote 2025 has now been launched and will run throughout March. Over 20 secondary schools and youth groups have signed up to run the vote and we are hopeful for more throughout the month. If you do not attend school regularly or have not seen the vote take place yet in your school or college, then you can use this link to vote online. You need to be age 11-19 (or up to 25 with SEND) and living in Devon. The top issue that is voted for will decide the Devon Youth Council’s campaign for the year. We know that there are issues that you all really care about and would like to see those in power taking more action to address. There are over 90,000 11-19 year olds in Devon so let’s get your voices heard by doing this vote all together as young people in Devon!
Walk & Talk SEN families in and around Exeter
‘A place to meet other families on a similar journey’
Families meet once a month on a Sunday. The next meet, in April, will be a charitable walk, raising money for the National Autistic Society. It will be a 5km route of the Exeter Quayside (more details to follow) on Sunday 6 April at 2pm.
For more information, please contact Sarah on 07875 841301 or search on Facebook for: Walk & Talk – SEN families
Children’s Mental Health Week 2025
Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 took place in February, with this years theme ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’. Place2Be, in partnership with Here4You, were supported by The Walt Disney Company and the Inside Out 2 characters.
Download the official free resources, including a jam-packed resource pack which includes top tips for families around encouraging children and young people to express their emotions. There are activities for young people, primary and secondary ages, and includes Inside Out activities, plus a whole lot more!
Visit the Place2Be website to find out more.
RAMM Relaxed sessions
A Relaxed Session is a good way to enjoy the museum at a quieter pace. These times are especially suited to people with autism, anxiety and associated conditions. Everyone is welcome at RAMM.
Numbers are limited to create a calmer atmosphere, so book before you travel to be sure of your place.
Relaxed sessions next dates TBC
To book a free place visit RAMMs Relaxed Sessions page. If you are unable to use pre-booked tickets, they can be transferred to a later Relaxed session time/date (space permitting).
Entry via the Queen Street entrance at the front of the building. Toilets will be open and are fully accessible.
Ear defenders are free to borrow. If you need to step into a separate calm area during your visit, just ask at Reception.
Get in touch on ramm.enquiries@exeter.gov.uk or ask at Reception for more information.
See RAMMs access page for visual stories to prepare your visit.
Exeter College Newsletter and Open Events
Please use the following link to view the termly Exeter College newsletter which includes information regarding applying, open events, how the College can support you, and details regarding their International Baccalaureate (IB).
Applications are now open for entry in September 2025. Apply online exe-coll.ac.uk
The College will be holding three open events throughout Year 11. The next one is:
- Wednesday 23 April 2025, 16:00-19:00
These events provide a great opportunity to learn more about what Exeter College has to offer. All courses will be represented at the Open Events, and home educated learners will be able to visit all the city centre buildings, as well as the Construction Centre in Sowton and Technology Centre in Monkerton, during these evenings.
Click on this link to register in advance and they will send you an event programme (including a map of all the college sites) to help you plan your visit ahead of the event.
RESEARCH STUDY – University of Exeter looking for volunteer teenagers with low mood and depression to take part
Dr Rachel Hayes, Senior Researcher working at the Medical School, University of Exeter in the Medical School is leading the Devon site of the ATTEND research study (https://attendstudy.org/) and looking for volunteers to take part. The study which is being run by the University of Cambridge and Kings College London is part of an investigation into whether an adapted form of mindfulness could be helpful for teenagers who are experiencing low mood or depression. Criteria as below:
- 15–18 years old
- symptoms of depression or low mood
- previously received treatment for depression, low mood or anxiety
- able to engage in group-based mindfulness therapy
Young people will be randomised to either take part in the new mindfulness treatment in addition to their existing treatment options, or to continue with their existing treatment options only. The study also has the option to involve parents or carers with a parallel mindfulness group that they can attend. The first cohort of young people are being recruited from Exeter, with the first mindfulness group starting in the New Year.
Anyone interested should make contact with Dr Rachel Hayes directly:
Dr Rachel Hayes, Senior Research Fellow, R.A.Hayes@exeter.ac.uk
Exeter Phoenix FREEFALL Youth Arts Group
Freefall is a youth arts group for young people aged between 13-16 years run by Exeter Phoenix. The group aims to create a space to socialize, share ideas and opinions and develop creative projects together.
Thursdays 18:00-20:00
Places are available in 5-week (half-termly) blocks during term times, on a PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN* basis, equivalent to £10, £5 or £0 per session.
Please see more details HERE before you book.
Newton Abbot Museum Events
Heritage Creatives
FREE Home Education sessions for ages 9+
Explore the museum and be inspired by its collections to create art, learn about history and about being a Curator.
Keep up to date with their upcoming sessions by following their ‘collection’ on Eventbrite here: Heritage Creatives by Newton Abbot Museum
Home Education Workshop using Lego with Brick Ideas
The museum also collaborates with Brick Ideas to run workshops specifically for home educators.
Taking inspiration from the museum collection you will have the opportunity to create wonderful contraptions from Lego.
Brick Ideas can help home education groups by providing design and technology workshop which can link to any topic.
Please note that the children will be working in group of 2-3 during these workshops.
Suitable for ages 6+ and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are £7.50 per child (Non-refundable)
You can book a place on these sessions here: Lego workshop Brickideas
Relaxed Sessions
Newton Abbot Museum welcomes anyone who might benefit from visiting the Museum at a quieter time. The next Relaxed Sessions will be Monday 7th and 28th April 13:00-15:00.
In the meantime you can contact the museum to find out when the quieter times in the museum are or check their ‘What’s On’ page. Explore our galleries in a calm and relaxed environment where we will ensure our sound levels are reduced. There will be a quiet space available away from the galleries, and you are welcome to borrow our new sensory bags and ear-defenders.
These sessions are great for visitors with Autistic Spectrum Disorder or other communication and sensory needs and their families / carers but are suitable for all.
To help you prepare for your visit we have made a visual story which you can see if you click here. For other access information please visit our Museum Access page.
If you have any questions about the Museum’s relaxed visits or require any further information, please email museum@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk or phone 01626 20112
Make and Create – Free family activity, first Saturday of the month
Rope Workshop – Saturday 5th April 10:30-12:30
Be inspired by the historical rope making trade that Newton Abbot is famous for and make your own rope in the workshop and create plant hangers or dream catchers to take home. Booking goes on sale on 3rd March at 09:00
Amazing Inventions Workshop – Saturday 3rd May 10:30-12:30
Invent a robot or machine that will make the world a better place in this workshop.
Booking for this workshop is currently unavailable .
Visiting the Museum
The museum staff recognise that learning takes many forms, and are delighted to welcome home educators to their Museum. If you’d like to organise workshops or activities as a group of home educators, then please contact them on groups@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk or 01626 201 121.
Home educating families are welcome to visit at any time during our opening hours, and we have a range of activity sheets available for you to use as you explore the museum.
North Devon Forum for Autistic Spectrum Conditions and ADHD
Coffee Mornings – Usually the 4th Thursday of the month (not December) – 10:00am – 12:30pm
Roundswell Community Centre, Barnstaple (next to Sainsbury’s) EX31 3NL
The library is now up and running, so there will be the opportunity to borrow books again.
Children are welcome at these events – especially in school holiday time. It is suggested they bring something to keep themselves occupied during the morning, even more so when there is a speaker.
Reminder, there won’t be a coffee morning in December.
Visit the NDAF website to find out more.
Lumi Nova: Discovery Session for Parents
To find out more about the app attend a free 30 minute introduction to Lumi Nova. Discover how Lumi Nova can support children aged 7-12 to tackle their fears and worries. The app can be used for young people outside of this age group, if parents feel its appropriate.
Next dates:
- Thursday 3 April 15:00
- Thursday 1 May 11:00
Reserve a free spot on the session by visiting the Lumi Nova for Parents booking page
MAKE Southwest Craft & Making Saturday Club
Applications are now open for MAKE Southwest’s Craft & Making Saturday Club 2024-25 (Closing date for applications is 28th September). They are eager to hear from motivated and passionate young people aged 13-16 who have an interest in making and would benefit from their support.
Their Saturday Club is a free programme of workshops for young people running in partnership with the National Saturday Club (NSC) and QEST. They are looking to support the next generation of craftspeople, and the club provides a friendly environment for young makers to explore their creativity through a variety of craft disciplines!
The Saturday Club will run for 20 weeks, starting on Saturday 12 October, on Saturday mornings from 10am–1pm at MAKE Southwest, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AF
Why apply for Craft & Making Saturday Club?
• Club members will be tutored by makers from their growing membership of professional craftspeople.
• Young makers will also have the opportunity to visit local craft businesses and organisations to gain insights into employment within the craft industries.
• At the end of the programme, Club members are invited to showcase their work at Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey.
• Participants are encouraged to take part in the Bronze Arts Award and support is given throughout the Club to complete this qualification.
• Club members take part in national events, including Masterclasses with leading industry professionals and the NSC Summer Show, in which Saturday Clubs from across the country share their work in a public exhibition.
If you have any questions about the programme, contact Education Manager Ian Wilkins at ian@makesouthwest.org.uk. Visit the MAKE Southwest page to find out more and apply.
RAMM Home Ed Sessions
Royal Albert Memorial Museum now offers museum-led visits for home educated children, who are invited to take an active role in learning about the fascinating world of the Ancient Egyptians, Romans in Devon or the Second World War and the Exeter Blitz. **Note**There will be limited spaces available for RAMMs upcoming home ed sessions so, if you are interested, book up as soon as possible.
The sessions are aimed at children aged 7 to 11 (Key Stage 2). They are individually ticketed, allowing you to book just the number of places you require.
The maximum number of children that will be present in one session is 20, with a minimum of 12 children needed in total from all families booking to run the session. At least one parent/carer, who is prepared to participate, should accompany each family group, and remain with the children throughout.
There are five activities/tours to undertake during each museum-led visit and they will allocate you into smaller groups 6 to 8 to participate for up to 25 minutes in each activity/tour.
Arrival will be from 10:00 (10:15 on Tuesdays) with activities starting at 10:30 and finishing at 14:00 and will include a private room for the whole group to share. Lunch will be 12:00 to 12:45. It is recommended that you bring a packed lunch and any other snacks that are required. The private room can also be used as breakout space should a family member require it to step away from the active learning session.
Sign up to get access to the RAMM Home Ed sessions.
Youth Voice Chess Programme – Tiverton
Shirin and David would like to tell you about their school Youth Voice Chess Programme (no experience in chess is necessary) that children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities or who are neuro-divergent can join.
They are both participation workers with Devon County Council and have developed a six-session programme for young people who are home educated. Each session will last two hours, between 10:00 and 12:00 and they aim to have a group of 6-8 young people.
The sessions aim to provide an opportunity for young people to learn about youth voice including the value of their views and the impact their ‘voice’ can have on creating positive change.
Some of the core skills young people will have the opportunity to practice and develop during the programme include: Strategic thinking, Resilience, Listening and Negotiation and more. Chess can help develop some of these skills.
If your child is interested in finding out more and/or you would like more information please contact them either via email shirin.khastar@devon.gov.uk or David david.ruiz@devon.gov.uk. They can also be contacted via telephone 07773 954421 or 01392 383000 (when prompted as for them by name)
Esteem Team Parent Carer CATCH
CATCH (Coffee and Tea, Chat and Help) invite you to their parent carer social and peer support sessions.
Wednesday mornings (term time) 9.30-11.30am
Scott Drive Church, 39 Scott drive, Exmouth EX8 3LF
Check their Esteem Team Parent Carer Support Facebook page for updates.
Home Educators in the Exmouth area
Exmouth Coastal Churches are currently advertising for a Youth Worker. Following research, it has been identified that there are not enough daytime groups for home educated young people. Please complete this survey (parent/carer and young people) as the answers and comments will be used to identify what is needed.
Eden Project Community Days: Free Entry Offer
The Eden Project invite a range of groups to visit and enjoy the Eden Project for free on certain dates. Home Educators are able to take up this offer by pre-booking on their website.
Community Bookings for the dates will open closer to the time.
Each ticket entitles the individual to free entry to the Eden Project for them and their immediate family for the day (that’s a maximum of one extra adult and two children aged 16 and under). Please book for all members of your family, including children and personal assistants (for those with a disability). Then simply bring the relevant ID with you when you arrive.
You will need to take a copy of your EHE Registration Certificate or confirmation letter/email to show that you are home educating.
Booking for next dates will be available later in the year for the winter season.
To check when they are available and to book a ticket, visit the booking page on the Eden Projects Website
Family Fund
Discover Digital workshops
Family Fund run a range of creative and support iPad workshops. The creative workshops are fun for your child and family. The support workshops are aimed at parents/carers to help get your device set up safely. Upcoming workshops include:
- Saturday 5th April Scratch coding: Jolly jokers
- Thursday 10th April Scratch coding: Bunnyhop animations
- Thursday 10th April Eggcellent egg designers using Canva
- Friday 11th April Moviemaking: Signs of spring
- Tuesday 15th April Badge buddies
- Tuesday 15th April Perfect postcards
- Wednesday 16th April Your name in pictures
Find out more and book a place on any of the above workshops here on the Family Fund website.
Let’s Talk Teenagers Bitesize Videos
South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership – Let’s Talk Devon have uploaded six bitesize recordings onto their YouTube Channel. The sessions range from just 19 minutes long to a maximum of half an hour and they offer their usual tips and techniques, along with details of support services.
The recordings include:
- Family Strengthening
- Changing Youth Culture
- Community Risks
- Online Challenges
- Emotional Wellbeing
- Healthy Relationships
Buckfastleigh Swimming Pool
Cold water swimming is returning at Buckfastleigh Swimming Pool! It will run weekly from 9-10:30am, starting on 17th September. Buckfastleigh Swimming Pool will share water temperatures each week but would expect it to be around 20° in the first week. With full lifeguard support and hot drinks to warm you up after, it’s a lovely way to acclimatise to cold water swimming as the seasons progress.
Newton Abbot Museum
The museum supports Home Education and have this message on their website:
We recognise that learning takes many forms, and we are delighted to welcome home educators to our Museum. If you’d like to organise workshops or activities as a group of home educators, then please contact us using the form at the bottom on the Home Education page.
Home educating families are welcome to visit at any time, and we have a range of activity sheets available for you to use as you explore the museum. Some of these are available above to download at home before your visit from our Resources page.
Home Ed Lego Workshops
We also collaborate with Brickideas to run workshops specifically for home educators.
Taking inspiration from the museum collection you will have the opportunity to create wonderful contraptions from Lego.
Brickideas can help home schools groups by providing design and technology workshop which can link to any topic.
Please note that the children will be working in group of 2-3 during these workshops. They must be aged 6+ and accompanied by an adult.
Check on the Brickideas page for future sessions.
The ‘Autism & Us’ Programme
The ‘Autism & Us’ programme and associated themed/topic based workshops have now been adopted as a Devon County Council Core offer, which means the long term sustainable and consistent delivery has been secured for families.
They will be delivered each term of the academic year, by members of the SEND Communication & Interaction Team at Devon County Council.
They continue to offer access for parents and carers of CYP (Children & Young People) who are currently on the neurodiversity assessment pathway, in addition to families of CYP who have received an autism diagnosis.
Attending the ‘Autism & Us’ parent programme gives you opportunity to develop your understanding of autism and look at practical solutions to managing and supporting your child’s presenting needs, whilst also connecting with other parents/carers.
Autism & Us programmes:
- 4 weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes:
- Weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes:
Autism overview Tues 29 Apr – 10:00 – 12:00 and Thurs 5 Jun – 16:30 – 18:30
Sensory Tues 6 May – 10:00 – 12:00 and Thurs 12 Jun – 16:30 – 18:30
Communication Tues 13 May – 10:00 – 12:00 and Thurs 19 Jun – 16:30 – 18:30
Understanding and supporting behaviour Tues 20 May – 10:00 – 12:00 and Thurs 26 Jun – 16:30 – 18:30
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.ukto secure a place on either of the above programmes, or express your interest for forthcoming programmes.
They will confirm your booking request, and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered on line ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Additionally they will also be offering the following very popular themed/topic based workshops, which lead on from the above programmes for themes/topics that may be a priority area for you against your child’s presenting needs:
Introduction to DIAS (Devon Information & Advice Service + the Ambassador Volunteer Programme Tues 24 Jun 10:00-12:00
Autism – Sensory processing + integration Thurs 3 Jul 9:30-12:30
Autism and Girls Thurs 19 Jun 9:30–12:00
Autism – Demand avoidance + PDA Thurs 26 Jun 10:00–12:00
Autism – Managing stress + anxiety Thurs 5 Jun 10:00-12:00
Autism – Vulnerability + online safety Tues 8 Jul 10:00-12:00
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk to secure a place on any of the above topic based workshops. They will confirm your booking request, and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered on line ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Workshop blurbs:
Autism & Girls
This workshop seeks to explore the background of the diagnosis of autism in girls and why historically the female / male ratio has been significantly lower. They explore the key characteristics of girls with autism including areas such as possible masking, communication, social understanding and associated vulnerability. Subsequently they seek to highlight key approaches / strategies which aim to help to support autistic girls within the home / family context.
Autism & Demand Avoidance
This workshop seeks to explore the key characteristics of the extreme demand avoidance profile while outlining the diagnostic background and how this fits into the strengths and needs of autistic children and young people. Subsequently it explores the characteristics of this profile and how it may manifest through a child’s behaviour. A range of strategies / approaches are highlighted with the aim of supporting children and young people in the home with an emphasis on an individualised approach which allows for the prioritising of goals to support family life.
Autism & Anxiety
This workshop will explore our understanding of anxiety and how autistic children and young people may experience and express their own anxiety. The workshop will also consider and provide how we can support and reduce their anxiety within the home / family context through a range of approaches and strategies.
Autism & Vulnerability
This workshop will explore some of the vulnerabilities that ALL CYP may experience growing up. But this workshop will specifically shine a lens on how an autistic CYP profile may lead them to respond in different ways through their own developmental journeys. A range of approaches, strategies and supportive links will also be offered to support family life.
Autism & Sensory Processing + Integration
This workshop will explore the 8 senses, sensory integration and how this may affect how autistic children and young people respond to the environment and sensations they are feeling. It aims to raise awareness of sensory processing differences that may impact on an autistic person’s life and provide a range of approaches and strategies to support through sensory regulation approaches within the home / family context.
Introduction to DIAS (Devon Information and Advice Service) + The Ambassador Volunteer Programme
This workshop will introduce DIAS; who they are and what they do.
They will look at how you and your child or young person can engage with the decisions that impact you, including how to get best out of conversations and meetings about your child’s support, how to share your views and those of your child, and understanding your options and legal rights.
They will take you through their information and resources that may be relevant for you and your child or young person, and talk through how and when it might be most helpful to link with our service.
The Ambassador Volunteer Programme brings together parents and carers of children with SEND across the county, to share information, provide peer support and give feedback on the issues affecting them. Alongside the families, the programme also connects practitioners and organisations who provide services to support them. Here you can find out how the network may be able to help you.
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
Easter Nature Trail Date(s) 1 to 21 April 2025
Spring has sprung and the sanctuary’s wildlife is waking from its long slumber.
Follow the Easter Nature Trail around the sanctuary to discover what animals (besides donkeys) you could find living in the various habitats located across our land in Devon and Dorset.
This entertaining Easter activity combines family fun, exercise and brainpower and is just £5 per trail, including an Easter egg on completion. Pick up your trail sheet from the Gift Shop or The Shed, and don’t forget your wellies—it’s time to explore!. Simply find the habitats located around the sanctuary to reveal which animal lives there and use the stickers provided to match the animal with the habitat listed on the trail sheet. Once you have spotted them all, head to the Gift Shop or The Shed to claim your prize.
Visit The Donkey Sanctuary Events Page to find out more.
Check out the brand-new super miniature donkey paddock, immerse yourself in the fascinating bat beacon exhibition, and let the kids enjoy the natural play area. Take in the daily talks, meander through scenic walks, admire the award-winning gardens, and meet lots of charming donkeys along the way.
Whatever the weather, there’s endless fun for your herd – Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too! Come rain or shine, The Donkey Sanctuary is the perfect day out for all ages.
General admission and parking at the sanctuary are FREE (donations welcome).
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0NU
Young & Animated Saturday Club – 5 Week Course
Saturday session dates:10:00 – 13:00
26 Apr, 03 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May
This popular Saturday morning group for 8-13 year olds provides fun and detailed exploration of both digital and stop motion animation. Get messy making your own plasticine character and bring them to life using stop animation techniques. Then you will have the chance to add your very own sound effects!
This course is run by highly-trained animators and filmmakers. The tutors recognise the importance of attending to individual needs, meaning the group is suitable for those experienced in animation and those curious to make a start. Over the five-week period there will be opportunity for plenty of development and experimentation, as well as time for each participant to complete a personal project.
Places are limited and pre-booking is required via the Exeter Phoenix booking page
Young & Animated+ Saturday Club – 5 Week Course
Saturday session dates:13:30 – 15:30
26 Apr, 03 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May
This animation course is designed for autistic young people, aged 12- 15, based on the long running Young & Animated Saturday Club, but with a smaller class size of up to 4, and 2 tutors, the course provides fun and detailed exploration of digital and stop motion animation.
Interested in joining Young & Animated+? The Young & Animated+ course will run for five weeks on Saturdays during term-time. The cost of this course is higher than the Young & Animated Saturday Group due to the reduced class sizes. Previous participants of this course have been able to use their direct payments to cover the cost.
If you would like to ask any questions email digital@exeterphoenix.org.uk. or visit the Exeter Phoenix booking page to book a place.
Family Fund
Discover Digital workshops
Family Fund run a range of creative and support iPad workshops. The creative workshops are fun for your child and family. The support workshops are aimed at parents/carers to help get your device set up safely. Upcoming workshops include:
- Saturday 3rd May Scratch coding: Quiz masters
- Thursday 8th May Make a social story on any device
- Friday 9th May Android workshop: Getting started with your device
- Tuesday 13th May iPad workshop: Staying safe
- Friday 23rd May Supporting your young person into adulthood
- Saturday 7th June Scratch coding: Pac Man masterclass
Find out more and book a place on any of the above workshops here on the Family Fund website.