Children and young people (ages 5+)

Our schools should be inclusive and supportive places that provide support for children and young people and where they can learn, build relationships and be part of the community.

All children and young people are entitled to an education that enables them to:

• achieve their best
• become confident individuals living fulfilling lives
• make a successful transition into adulthood, whether into employment, further education or training

If you think your child needs extra help with their learning or development, the first thing to do is to speak to their nursery, school or college.

Every education provider has a member of staff called a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) who leads and coordinates a school’s provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The SENDCo can help you to understand what your child needs to make learning easier, and put in place the support which will help them to succeed.

Most children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can have their needs met in their local mainstream school, college or early years setting where there are pupils with and without SEND. Some will need additional support and a few will need their education in a special school, where there are only pupils with SEND.

Detailed information about SEND support in schools can be found here.

To find out more about your local school, please visit our school information website. Information about a school’s SEND support can be found on their individual websites. We have also provided some information to help you choose a school.

For more information please visit Devon’s webpages about early years settings, school admissions or post-16 education.

You can also read about what the Devon County Council Education Inclusion Service does in order to promote an inclusive culture in Devon’s schools.