SENCO

Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) play a crucial role in ensuring that all students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the support they require to achieve their full potential.

They need in-depth knowledge of SEN practices, exceptional organisational skills, and a passion for promoting inclusive education.

Key responsibilities

Key Responsibilities include identifying and assessing pupils with special educational needs. They work with teachers, parents, and external agencies to develop individual Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to ensure they meet pupils’ needs.

SENCOs provide guidance and support to teachers and support staff in the delivery of differentiated instruction and interventions and ensure that the curriculum is accessible to all students and that teaching strategies are inclusive.

They will take the lead on tracking the progress of students with SEND, making adjustments to interventions and support plans where necessary. Maintaining up-to-date records of all SEN students is important, and ensuring they are compliant with statutory requirements.

In larger settings, SENCOs will manage the wider SEND department, ensuring effective deployment of staff and resources, coordinating and chairing SEND reviews and meetings, including Annual Reviews for pupils with EHCPs.

Collaboration and Communication

Relationship building is central to the SENCO’s role. Fostering strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external agencies to support pupils’ educational and emotional well-being.

They need to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, providing regular updates on pupils’ progress and any changes to their support plans. This often includes delivering training and professional development for staff on SEND-related topics.

Policy and Compliance

It’s the SENCO’s responsibility to develop and implement the school’s SEND policy in line with national guidelines and best practices and to ensure the school meets its legal obligations regarding the provision for students with SEN.

They need to remain up to date with current legislation, policies, and best practices in SEND, and advise the school leadership team accordingly.

Qualifications and Experience

• SENCOs need to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• They require the National Award for SEN Coordination or be willing to work towards it.
• SENCOs will have had significant experience working with children with special educational needs in an educational setting and a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and other relevant legislation.
• Ideally, SENCOs will have experience in leading and managing a team, and additional qualifications or training in specific areas of SEN (e.g., dyslexia, autism).
• Employers need to see a proven track record of effective collaboration with parents, carers, and external agencies.