Role of Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

A Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is a qualified teacher who is responsible for special educational needs in school. Every school in the UK is obliged to employ a SENCO as they ensure all students with learning disabilities are well equipped to obtain the right help and support they need at school.

Who can be a SENCO?

The SENCO must be a qualified teacher working at the school. A new appointed SENCO must be a qualified teacher and, where they have not been the SENCO at that or any other relevant school for a total period of more that twelve months, they must achieve a National Award in Special Education Coordination within three years of appointment. 

Role of the SENCO

The SENCO:

  • plays an important role with the headteacher and governing body in determining the strategic development of SEN policy and provision in school. 
  • holds day to day responsibility for the operation of SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provision made to support individual pupils with SEN, including those who have EHC plans. 
  • provides professional guidance to colleague and will work closely with staff, parents and other agencies
  • will be aware of the Local Offer and be able to work with professionals providing a support role to families

Key Responsibilities of the SENCO

Key responsibilities of the SENCO may include:

  • overseeing day-to-day operation of the school's SEN policy
  • co-ordinating provision for children with SEN
  • liaising with the relevant Designated Teacher where a looked after pupil has SEN
  • advising on the graduated approach to providing SEN support
  • advising on the deployment of the school's delegated budget and other resources to meet pupils' needs effectively
  • liaising with parents of pupils with SEN
  • liaising with early year providers, other schools, educational psychologists, heath and social care professionals, and independent and voluntary bodies
  • being a key point of contact with external agencies, especially the local authority and its support services
  • liaising with potential next providers of education to ensure a pupil their parents are informed about options and a smooth transition is planned
  • working with the headteacher and school governors to ensure that they school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act (2010) with regard to reasonable adjustments and access arrangements
  • ensuring that the school keeps the records of pupils with SEN up tot date.

 

The school should ensure that the SENCO has sufficient time and resources to carry out these functions. 

Key Lead Roles

SEND & Inclusion

Early Years SENCO
Last update: Monday 4th of November 2019 04:47:56 PM