Devon Information Advice and Support (DiAS) offer training to help parent carers understand some of the most important information and the most useful skills to develop when supporting a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
‘Making Sense of SEND’ explains the basics about special educational needs (SEN), the SEN support available and how the SEND system works and helps parents to feel more confident about speaking up for their child and working with professionals.
Sessions are held online, using Microsoft Teams, or in person.
The online session takes place in two parts:
Online part one: About SEND and school on Wednesday 1 June 2025 from 1pm until 2:30pm.
It includes:
- Important things to know – the law, the SEND system, types of SEN, SEND language.
- SEN Support – core principles of support, types and levels of support, how SEN support works, school plans and adjustments.
- Getting help – when and how to get help, the Local Offer in Devon, useful organisations and services, how to get more help.
Online part two: How to take part and share what you know on Tuesday 24 June 2025 from 10am until 11:30am.
It includes:
- Your views and your role – what is a parents role and what isn’t, sharing your views, day to day contact with your child’s nursery, school or college, taking part in meetings.
- Your child or young persons views and how to collect and share them.
- Sharing what you know – knowing your child and knowing your child’s SEN, gathering and sharing useful evidence, what to do if things go wrong.
In-person session on Thursday 10 July 2025 at 9:15am for a 9:30am start until 12:45pm at Castle Centre, 25 Castle Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1DR.
The morning is a mix of presentations, discussion, interactive tasks and question and answer slots. Previous attendees have described the session as “Excellent, so empowering!” “Good practical help” and “Friendly with a chance to ask questions”. Refreshments are available.
The Castle Centre is a level walk to Barnstaple town centre and there is parking close by. It’s a six minute walk to Barnstaple bus station where lots of routes serving local towns start and end. The venue has disabled access and an accessible toilet.
There are limited tickets so book your place for the in-person session early!
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