Who to contact for advice and guidance

If you think your child has special educational needs, you can speak to the professionals already working with your child, such as a teacher or GP.

If you need more advice, the Devon Information, Advice and Support (DIAS) service provides an impartial, confidential and free service for parents, children and young people.

Alternatively, you can contact one of the services detailed below.

Contact our services

Advice and support for families in Devon

The Devon Information, Advice and Support (DIAS) service provides an impartial, confidential and free service for parents, children and young people.

They can help you to understand more about the SEND support that is available and ensure that your views about the support you receive are listened to.

Phone icon:01392 383080

Envelope icon:devonias@devon.gov.uk

Family Information Service

The Family Information Service is a source of information for parents and carers of children in Devon. It includes registered childcare and other services and support for all children, young people and parents (not just those with SEND).

You can search Pinpoint Devon for childcare or early years provision in your area.

We also provide a service to help families who are struggling to find suitable childcare.

Phone icon:0345 155 1013

Support in school

You can contact the Devon Information, Advice and Support service to discuss the support your child is receiving at school.

Phone icon:01392 383080

Envelope icon:devonias@devon.gov.uk

School transport

If you are unable to make arrangements for school transport, or if you have any questions, please speak to a member of the Transport Team.

Phone icon:0345 155 1019

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

Contact Devon’s SEN 0-25 Team. They carry out EHC needs assessments and maintain and review EHCPs.

You can contact a member of staff in the SEN 0-25 Team from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm.

Phone icon:01392 380434

Envelope icon:specialeducation@devon.gov.uk

The Disabled Children's Service

Contact the Disabled Children’s Service for more information about accessing support.

Envelope icon:sendlocaloffer@devon.gov.uk

The Disability Network (Max Card)

If you need some help registering or just want some more information about the Disability Network please get in touch.

Envelope icon:business.disabilitynetworkregister-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

Preparing for adult life

If you have any questions about the services provided by the Preparing for Adulthood Team or would like advice about making a referral please get in touch for an informal chat.

Phone icon:01392 381291

Envelope icon:preparingforadulthoodsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

Care Direct

Care Direct offers information, advice and support about the adult social care system in Devon for young people aged 18+ and their families.

Phone icon:0345 1551 007

Envelope icon:csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk

Financial support

The Quid for Kids project can help you by assessing whether you are able to claim benefits as well as helping you challenge benefit decisions if you think you have not been treated fairly.

SEND support groups

There are family support groups listed on Pinpoint Devon which have been identified as able to offer support to parents of children and young people with SEND.

National guidance and support

GOV.UK government overview of provision for children and young people with SEND
GOV.UK guide to the SEND Code of Practice for parents
GOV.UK SEND support: an easy-read guide for children and young people
Disability Rights UK – Guide to the Care Act
Council for Disabled Children – information for parents
Council for Disabled Children – SEND reforms: What children and young people need to know
Contact is a national charity that provides a wide range of information, advice and support to families of children with disabilities.
Navigate is an emotional support service for parents of disabled children
Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS) – support for children whose families are in the military services

Neighbouring authority local offers

If you can’t find what you’re looking for on the website please email sendlocaloffer@devon.gov.uk or call 01392 383000.