Getting Advice: Devon’s local offer & other support available
Every person is unique. Some may need support to fulfil their potential or cope with certain challenges, others may not.
You don’t need a clinical diagnosis to be able to access support.
In this section, you will find links to each area’s ‘Local Offer’, which explains the support and services that are available for children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) aged 0 to 25 years.
Other information included in this section has been suggested by both professionals working across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay and our Parent Carer Forums. These include links to resources; relevant websites and support offers within your local area. Some of these offers are free to families, some local charities or community groups may ask for a donation or charge for their services.
In addition, there is a wide range information on other services available outside your local area, which you may find helpful.
If you are unable to find a service, ‘Devon Services’ is a directory of all services available in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth that may have what you are looking for Other Directory Listings | Devon Services
A Devon and Cornwall (D&C) Directory has been put together, containing a range of resources in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and Devon & Cornwall. You can also sign up to receive latest updates by email. Home | My Site 1
In this section, you will be able to find a wide range of information and resources relating to Early years, Health Resources, Family Support, Schools and Education and preparing your child for adulthood that are available in Devon.
For information on Devon’s SEND local offer, please visit this website Devon’s SEND Local Offer – help and support for children with SEND
Early Years
CFHD – Early years developmental delay
Early years developmental delay’ is a way of saying that a child is behind with what would be expected for their age in certain skills like walking, talking, moving, learning new things and interacting with others.
https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/health-topic/developmental-delay/
Devon Children’s Centres
Information on Children’s centres that offer families targeted support for a variety of situations.
Children’s Centres – Devon | Health for Under5s
Devon County Council – Devon Local Offer (Early Years section)
‘Early years’ is used to describe the first five years of a child’s life as they begin to learn and develop. When a child has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), this time can be more challenging and worrying as you try to access the support your child needs.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/education-and-families/send-local-offer/early-years/
Devon County Council – Devon Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP)
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) describes the inclusive provision and practice that all Devon schools, early years, and post 16 settings should be able to provide for all children and young people.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/ordinarily-available-inclusive-provision/
Devon County Council – Early Years Childcare
Find Early years childcare information.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/early-years-and-childcare/childcare-parents/
Devon County Council – Family Information Directory
Find information on childcare in Devon in the Family Information Directory.
Health Resources
Children Family Health Devon
Children and Family Health Devon provides a comprehensive Neurodiversity Pathway. This pathway is designed to assist children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions.
https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/our-pathways/neurodiversity/
Devon County Council – Devon Local Offer (Health support for young adults section)
A local offer gives children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families information to help them find the right help and support in their area.
What is the SEND Local Offer? – Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)
Devon Children’s Centres
Information on Children’s centres that offer families targeted support for a variety of situations.
Children’s Centres – Devon | Health for Under5s
Devon Information Advice and Support – DIAS (looking after yourself section)
Support children and young people with SEND, and their parents and carers.
Looking after yourself – Devon Information Advice and Support
Royal Devon University Devon – Paediatrics
This page provides detailed information about the services offered.
https://www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/children-and-young-people/
Family Support – inc. social care
Affinity Support Group
A support group for families, friends & carers who provide care for children with Autism or on their pathway, providing non-judgmental advice and support.
Affinity Support Group | Facebook
AIMS
AIMS is a group that provides activity sessions every Saturday in Dawlish for children with Special Needs and their families. It gives the parents, whose everyday existence can be stressful and lonely, a chance to mix with other parents and families facing similar challenges while their children, including siblings, are having a great time.
Asperations
Provide a missing link for parents of children with ADHD, Aspergers and Autism.
Devon Family Hubs
Family Hubs are a new way of bringing together all the support a family may need. They offer a welcoming environment and serve as a central point of access for all families, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to age 25.
Devon County Council – Autism and Us
Support for parents or carers (resident within the Devon County Council footprint) of primary or secondary aged children (5-16) who are either on the neurodiversity assessment waiting list or who have received a diagnosis of autism.
Devon County Council – Devon Local Offer (Financial support section)
Some children and young people in Devon will be entitled to funding to help support their learning and care. These pages set out some of the financial and other support that may be available to you depending on your situation.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/education-and-families/send-local-offer/money/
Devon County Council – Devon Local Offer (Help for parents and carers of young adults’ section)
Family Information Service
Help for parents and carers of young adults – Children, families and education
Devon County Council – Devon Local Offer (Support and activities for family’s section)
Information about the support and activities that are available in Devon.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/education-and-families/send-local-offer/support-for-parents/
Devon County Council – Family Support
These pages give you information about the types of family support available in Devon.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/family-support/
Devon County Council – Finding help, information and support
If you are having challenges or problems living safely and well at home, use Devon County Council’s self-help tool to answer 14 questions or statements about your current situation, and find out about equipment, services, and support to help you live independently.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/adult-social-care/finding-help-information-and-support/
Devon County Council – SEND news in Devon
Subscribe to updates from Devon County Council via Facebook.
Devon County Council – Support Groups, Clubs and more
For more support groups and clubs for parents and families, please use the link provided.
Devon children’s centres (includes Parent/Carer support)
Support for Parent and Carers
Devon Information Advice and Support – DIAS (parent and carer section)
Information for parents and carers
https://devonias.org.uk/information/
Devon Parent Carer Forum
This forum is for all families of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in Devon. PCFD connects with parents across the county to understand the wider picture of what life is really like for families – identifying problems and areas for services to improve on, as well as what’s working well.
https://www.parentcarerforumdevon.org/
Esteem
Esteem Team also support Parent/Carers of children and young people with additional needs and/or who struggle with their mental health. We offer 1:1 support and group support tailored around each family.
Ilfracombe Parent/Carer Support Group
A support group run by and for parents and carers of children with additional needs.
Ilfracombe Parent/Carer Support Group | Facebook
National Autistic Society (NAS) Exeter and East Devon Branch
We provide support groups, advice, and information to autistic children of all ages, their families, support networks and professionals in Exeter and the surrounding area.
https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches/exeter-and-district
Neurodiversity Navigators
The Navigator roles are to provide support and guidance to Families and Young People that are on waiting lists for a neurodevelopmental diagnosis or those presenting with neurodivergent needs across the entire Devon footprint. They can provide some general guidance and support to access services that are already available. They can provide information and, if needed, they can provide practical support for people to complete forms and attend workshops etc.
For those unable to access these resources, the Navigators are adaptable to provide individual advice and guidance around their presenting needs, for example issues with sleep, school difficulties, low level anxieties, and promote positive behaviour strategies.
Neurodiversity Navigator Key roles:
- Support with navigating the complex networks of health, education, social care, community and voluntary services
- A listening ear for all children’ young people and adults
- Informed Advice and Guidance
- Connecting people to community groups, parent/carer forums and statutory services for practical and emotional support
- Support completing forms
- Targeted support with simple personalised support plans
- Advocate when required, but not in place of other advocacy services
For more information regarding Neurodiversity Navigators, please contact livewell.devonndnavigators@nhs.net
North Devon Forum for Autistic Spectrum Conditions and ADHD
A Parent/Carer Led Support Group
Parental Minds
Parental Minds gives support to families who are struggling with their mental health including self-harm, anxiety, and school refusal.
https://parentalminds.org.uk/parent-support-hub-meetings/
Parental Minds – Thrive directory – Parent/Caregiver Pathway to Support (Devon)
A directory list has been produced by Parental Minds providing a list of places that parents and caregivers can get support and advice and is grouped into four levels of support: Getting Advice.
Parent/Carer Autism Support Group – Seaton
The Seaton Parent/Carer Autism Support Group meet on the last Monday of the month, 13:30-15:00 at Seaton Waffle Café. It is open to all parents/carers/family members with a child who either has an autism diagnosis, is on a waiting list or it is a pathway you are thinking may be needed for your child. Its an informal, friendly meet up to chat in a safe, non-judgemental environment with a group of others who can offer empathy and also any advice from their experiences.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/981833852804567/?_rdr
Relate Devon and Cornwall
Relate Devon and Cornwall offer relationship counselling across Devon and Cornwall. They provide a supportive environment to help you navigate any difficulties in your relationship. More information is available on their website.
SOCOPS
SOCOPS club provides a safe and inclusive social space for children aged 7-15 with autistic spectrum conditions, alongside their siblings and families who can also join in the group. It takes place on a Saturday morning between 10:30am – 12:30pm during term time, and is located in Countess Wear, Exeter.
SEND Coffee Mornings – South Brent
Monthly SEND Coffee Mornings involving tea, cake and a space to share and support fellow parents and carers of children with special or additional needs.
Last Sunday of every month 10:30-12:30.
Old School Community Centre, South Brent, Devon TQ10 9BP
South West Autism Support Services
Based at our centre at 6 Sandpiper Court, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8NS. Offering; Parent and family support sessions, 1-1 mentoring, tutoring, groups and our alternative education provision are all run at our centre. Resources include a sensory room, a music and gaming room, a tutor and homework room, a craft room and a fully equipped kitchen to support life and independence skills.
https://www.southwestautismsupport.com/
Support Group for Parents in Teignmouth
This group is for parents/carers of children who are experiencing challenges to give you the opportunity to meet others, share tips/advice and have time to talk. No sign up is required, just pop along.
It will be held at The Alice Cross Centre from 7th Sept – 10.30am -12pm every Thursday until the end of term, but not during school holidays.
Talkworks
TALKWORKS is a free and confidential NHS service offering talking therapies for individuals aged 18 and over in Devon They provide support for a range of mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, low mood, and feelings of overwhelm. You can self-refer or get a professional referral, and choose from individual, group, or online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) options.
https://www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk/
Tissues and Issues
To provide social support and access to information and guidance for parents and carers of young people who have a recognised disability, additional need or are awaiting diagnosis
Walk & Talk SEN families in and around Exeter
‘A place to meet other families on a similar journey’
https://www.facebook.com/people/Walk-Talk-SEN-families/100078012889390/
Schools and Education
Devon County Council – Communication and Interaction
This page enables settings to provide best practice in educational provision for pupils with autism and SLCN.
Communication and interaction – Support for schools and settings (devon.gov.uk)
Devon County Council – Devon’s Graduated Response
A way of meeting needs through effective implementation of support before moving a child or young person onto higher levels of support by following the assess, plan, do, and review cycles.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/send/devon-graduated-response/
Devon County Council – Devon Local Offer (SEND support in schools section)
We hope that most children with SEND can be supported to access mainstream schools or education settings, for example, in pre-schools, nurseries and colleges.
Devon County Council – Devon Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP)
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) describes the inclusive provision and practice that all Devon schools, early years, and post 16 settings should be able to provide for all children and young people.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/ordinarily-available-inclusive-provision/
Devon County Council – Devon’s SEND Local Offer – Education, health and care (EHC) plans
In this page, you can find detailed information about Devon’s SEND Local Offer and Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans on the Devon County Council website.
Education, health and care (EHC) plans – Education and Families
Devon County Council – Special SEND addition
Special SEND addition, published August 2024
August’s Devon Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) newsletter
Devon Information Advice and Support – DIAS (making decisions section)
This page explains when school isn’t working out for you, it can make you feel worried, frustrated or unhappy. Everyone is different so the help they need to do well at school is going to be different too. The most important thing is getting your views heard.
https://devonias.org.uk/children-young-people/information-and-signposting/getting-help-in-school/
Preparing your child for adulthood
Devon County Council – Preparing for Adulthood
This service supports young people from age 14 as they transition into adulthood. It covers areas such as education, employment, independent living, and health. The council provides tools like the Skills for Independence Toolkit and the Decision-Making Toolkit to help young people develop necessary skills and make informed decisions. More information can be found on their website.
Devon County Council – Transitions Adult Social Care (TASC) Service
This service helps young people with additional support needs transition smoothly into adult social care services. They work with families and professionals to create a future plan that includes education, employment, housing, and health needs. You can learn more on their website.
Devon Information and Advice Service (DiAS)
DiAS offers legally based and easily accessible information and advice about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They support parents, carers, children, and young people with SEND. More details are available on their website.
Outside your local area
In this section, you will be able to find a wide range of information and resources relating to Early years, Health Resources, Family Support and Schools and Education that are available outside your local area.
Early Years
Ambitious about Autism – Early Years
These resources are designed to help you understand and support your child’s needs from an early age
Understanding autism | Ambitious about Autism
Autism Education Trust – Early Years
Variety of resources that designed to provide valuable insights and practical strategies for supporting neurodiverse children in their early years.
https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/resources
Anna Freud – National Centre for Children and Families
A guide to neurodiversity in the early years.
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
The CBF has produced various information resources showing how using early interventions methods, such as Positive Behaviour Support, can reduce the severity and frequently of challenging behaviour and improve quality of life.
https://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/information-and-guidance/early-intervention/
Somerset Council
Provides a variety of links and resources for you to use.
https://supportservicesforeducation.co.uk/Search?search=early+years
Somerset Parent Carer Forum Early Years Booklet
This booklet is a valuable resource for parents and carers, providing insights into how children learn and develop during their first five years, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership – Pre-Birth & Early Years Resources
These resources have been put together to help you to work with parents in the pre-birth to early years period.
Pre-Birth Planning Toolkit – Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership
Health Resources
ASD Bright Ideas
This resource provides autism, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and visual resources to help children with learning and life skills
https://www.asdbrightideas.co.uk/
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Our resources give information about health care, answering your questions on topics such as medication, mental health, consenting to treatment, reasonable adjustments and dental treatment.
Health – Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Understood
You can fill in what you would like from the website.
Therapist Neurodiversity Collective
Offers over 40 free printable neurodiversity infographics and posters, along with educational videos and podcasts for families, therapists, and educators.
Free neurodiversity educational resources for families and therapists
Family Support – inc. social care
Autism Central
This is a resource hub for parents and carers of autistic children, young people, and adults. Autism Central aims to make it easier for families to learn more about autism and the services available to them.
https://www.autismcentral.org.uk/
Bristol Autism Support
There is a wide range of support for parents and carers (including siblings) of autistic children.
Parent and carer support Archives – Bristol Autism Support
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Provides resources, advice and tips on how to keep everyone well – parents, siblings and children.
Wellbeing of family – Challenging Behaviour Foundation
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Provides information and support about the needs of your family member with a learning disability
Family Support Service – Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Help Guide
HelpGuide.org has produced ‘Tips for Building a Healthy Relationship’
Tips for Building a Healthy Relationship – HelpGuide.org
Family lives
Family life can be tough, use our live chat online service for support
Parenting and Family Support – Family Lives (Parentline Plus)
Jam up!
Providing digital tools to empower autistic children with everyday tasks
Mencap
Support for parents and carers of children and young people.
Parents & Carers Support – Learning Disability | Mencap
Mindworks
Information and resources for parents and carers.
National Autistic Society
Having your child diagnosed as autistic can be a very emotional and uncertain time for parents, even if you have been seeking a diagnosis for a while. As a parent or guardian, it is likely that you will want to better understand your child’s diagnosis and how you can help them.
Neurodive
Neurodive provides direct support to Neurodivergent young people and their families.
Neurodiversity week
Choose the parent and carers tag.
Resources | Neurodiversity Celebration Week
NHS – advice for single parents
Additional advice for single parents can be found on the NHS page.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/support-and-services/advice-for-single-parents/
NHS Dorset Neurodiversity hub
Support for neurodivergent children and their families
Support for children – Neurodiversity
Somerset Parent Carer Forum – School age booklet
Offers a range of resources for parents and carers of school-age children with additional needs or disabilities.
SPACE
Family support links.
Family Support – SPACE Hertfordshire
Understood
You can fill in what you would like from the website.
Schools and Education
Ambitious about Autism
In this section you will find information about how to access this support, as well as advice on how to communicate with schools and understanding exclusions guidance
Education | Ambitious about Autism
Autism Education Trust School
Variety of resources that are designed to provide valuable insights and practical strategies for supporting neurodiverse children in their school years
Resources to Support Autistic Children and Young People
Bristol Autism Support
Information on national education help services and how to deal with an autistic child’s school-related problems.
School issues and support Archives – Bristol Autism Support
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Finding the most suitable school for your child.
Finding a school – Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Mencap
Educational help and support for children with a learning disability.
Special Educational Needs – Learning Disability | Mencap
Neurodiversity Hub
Materials to support neurodivergent primary school students.
Neurodiversity Resources For Students – Neurodiversity Hub<br/> — Neurodiversity Hub
Somerset Parent Carer Forum – School age booklet
Offers a range of resources for parents and carers of school-age children with additional needs or disabilities.
The Wave Project
Inspired by our Theory of Change and delivered by qualified teachers, our Education programmes provide learning and wellbeing benefits for vulnerable pupils.
We know that not all children perform their best inside the classroom environment which is why we have developed these 3 programmes to operate in partnership with local schools.
Improving mental health and wellbeing through Surf Therapy
Understood
You can fill in what you would like from the website.