DEVON County Council has welcomed its new Head of SEND Operations.

Claire Merchant Jones, who joined the team this month, is responsible for the operation of the SEND Statutory Team, which carries out Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and maintains and reviews EHC plans.

She joins the council following six years as Head of SEND in Somerset Council, having spent her earlier career as a teacher in Further Education.

Claire lives in Somerset, where she is a trustee at her children’s secondary school, and outside of work she loves swimming in the sea, and reading.

‘I am really looking forward to getting to know more about Devon and working with new people across the county’ Claire said.

‘I am personally and professionally committed to making sure that children are visible and supported within their local communities.

‘Being a trustee at my children’s secondary school has helped me to understand the challenges and opportunities facing schools.

‘Just one week into my new role, I can safely say that I feel that I am exactly where I am supposed to be’ Claire added.