Child abuse
Child abuse can take a range of different forms. It is any action by another person (adult or child) that causes harm to a child. It can be defined as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.
Keeping children safe
Keeping children safe isn’t just about protecting them from physical abuse. It is important to be aware of issues such as cyberbullying, online grooming and sexually harmful behaviour.
Health and wellbeing
All children and young people deserve to be healthy and happy. Good physical and emotional health plays an important part in helping them to live a fulfilled life.
Life chances
We want all children in Devon to have the best start in life and, as they grow into young adults, to have access to opportunities for training, education, employment and apprenticeships to help them gain the skills they need to become independent and thrive.
Children and Young People’s Plan 2019 – 2023
We are passionate that every child in Devon should have the best possible start in life and the opportunity to thrive. To help, we are working together to be there for children and families with the right support, at the right time, and in the right place.
Get involved
We believe that every child has the right to have their voice heard. We will make sure that children can share their views on living in Devon and shape services that support them. We are committed to listen, hear and understand the views of all children and young people, parents and carers.
Training and resources for professionals
We believe that training and workforce development is essential to help protect children and young people in Devon. We provide a range of information and resources for professionals and volunteers, including a calendar of training events and links to online learning.
Safer recruitment
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
Policies and procedures
Safeguarding policies and guidance, links to the South West Child Protection Procedures resource, as well as professional information about specific topics.
Training and resources for professionals
We believe that training and workforce development is essential to help protect children and young people in Devon. We provide a range of information and resources for professionals and volunteers, including a calendar of training events and links to online learning.
Safer recruitment
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
Policies and procedures
Safeguarding policies and guidance, links to the South West Child Protection Procedures resource, as well as professional information about specific topics.
26 October 2021
SaFest 2021 – virtual safeguarding festival
Devon’s Virtual Safeguarding Festival will be back for a second year and will take place during the week of 22-26 November 2021.
26 October 2021
Devon households to get £5m to help with food, energy and water
The Government has announced that a new Household Support Fund grant will be made available to help support those most in need this winter.
26 October 2021
Young people aged 12 to 15 are being offered the coronavirus vaccine
12 to 15 year olds will be offered one dose of the vaccine, which they will be able to get through their school or at a local vaccination site.
3 August 2021
Parents Childcare Survey Summer 2021
We need your help to plan and make sure that there is enough childcare for you to work or train. Whether you use childcare or not, your voice counts!
21 April 2021
Let’s Get Chatting campaign launches across Devon
A new campaign focusing on the importance of speech, language and communication in children from antenatal to five years old has launched this week.
11 February 2021
A message from our new Chief Officer for Children’s Services
Melissa Caslake is delighted to have joined Devon County Council and has shared the following update for Children’s Services staff and partners.
2 September 2021
Back to school information
With the start of the academic year just around the corner, here’s some useful information to help you and your child prepare for September.
15 July 2021
Supporting Children and Young People with Developmental Language Disorder
Did you know that Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects at least 7.5% of all children and young people in the UK? That’s two children in every average class of 30.
15 July 2021
Speaking up for the Covid generation
A report by I CAN has identified that 1.5 million children across the UK are at risk of being left behind with their speaking and understanding as a result of Covid-19.
26 October 2021
Young people aged 12 to 15 are being offered the coronavirus vaccine
12 to 15 year olds will be offered one dose of the vaccine, which they will be able to get through their school or at a local vaccination site.
20 September 2021
Protect you and your baby by having the COVID-19 vaccine
Pregnant women are being reassured by the NHS in Devon that having the vaccination is the best and safest way to protect them and their baby.
20 September 2021
12 to 15 year olds to be offered the vaccination
The NHS is preparing to deliver a schools-based vaccination programme, supported by GPs and community pharmacies.
26 October 2021
SaFest 2021 – virtual safeguarding festival
Devon’s Virtual Safeguarding Festival will be back for a second year and will take place during the week of 22-26 November 2021.
15 July 2021
Ofsted focused visit report published
Devon’s vital children’s services have provided a well-coordinated and effective response to the challenges of COVID, according to Government inspectors.
13 May 2021
New campaign to raise awareness of online child exploitation
Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police have joined forces to create the new ‘Look sus? Tell us’ campaign.
16 September 2021
Small Grants scheme
We are pleased to announce that the small grants scheme is now open and inviting applications.
15 September 2021
Help pick the name for our new SEND model
Devon County Council need your help to pick a name for the new multi-agency SEND model.
7 September 2021
Devon’s Short Breaks project relaunches
Work to improve future short breaks for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities has started again – and the team want to know your thoughts!