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.
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.
19 January 2021
Chief Officer for Children’s Services Update
Devon’s new Chief Officer for Children’s Services, Melissa Caslake, will start with the County Council on 1 February 2021.
15 January 2021
New DiAS resources for SEND families
DiAS have published updated resources and information for parents about school and education during this lockdown.
15 January 2021
New YouTube channel for pre-school children
With TailfeatherTV, children can explore and engage with fun topics through dance, singing, signing, learning, and playing.
19 January 2021
Chief Officer for Children’s Services Update
Devon’s new Chief Officer for Children’s Services, Melissa Caslake, will start with the County Council on 1 February 2021.
15 January 2021
New YouTube channel for pre-school children
With TailfeatherTV, children can explore and engage with fun topics through dance, singing, signing, learning, and playing.
30 September 2020
Childcare exempt from localised restrictions
Families who share caring responsibilities with another household are allowed to continue if the care support is consistent.
15 January 2021
Additional funding for school meals
Extra funding is being provided to support schools to provide food parcels or meals to children who are eligible for free school meals.
15 January 2021
Provision of laptops and data to support remote learning
The Government is providing extra laptops and tablets to support children who do not already have access to a device for remote learning.
15 January 2021
Exams and school attendance update
GCSEs and A and AS Level exams will not go ahead this summer, with some form of teacher-assessed grading to be used instead.
15 January 2021
Vaccinations update – 15 January
Both the Oxford vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine are now in use in Devon, while large vaccination sites across England are starting to open.
15 January 2021
Public warned about vaccine scam
Trading Standards has issued a warning about fake texts offering a COVID-19 vaccine in an attempt to steal bank details.
6 January 2021
New national lockdown announced
Please stay at home as much as possible and only leave your house for essential reasons.
19 January 2021
Chief Officer for Children’s Services Update
Devon’s new Chief Officer for Children’s Services, Melissa Caslake, will start with the County Council on 1 February 2021.
3 December 2020
Chief Officer for Children’s Services recruited
We are delighted to announce that Melissa Caslake has been appointed to the role of Devon County Council’s Chief Officer for Children’s Services.
3 December 2020
Support group for families and carers of exploited children
A new free nationwide support group is available for families and carers who know how it feels to be worried about a child who is being exploited.
19 January 2021
Chief Officer for Children’s Services Update
Devon’s new Chief Officer for Children’s Services, Melissa Caslake, will start with the County Council on 1 February 2021.
15 January 2021
New DiAS resources for SEND families
DiAS have published updated resources and information for parents about school and education during this lockdown.
15 January 2021
New YouTube channel for pre-school children
With TailfeatherTV, children can explore and engage with fun topics through dance, singing, signing, learning, and playing.