What is the Role of a SENCo

What is the role of a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator)

A SENCo is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school's SEN policy. All mainstream schools must appoint a teacher to be their SENCo. The SENCo will co-ordinate additional support for pupils with SEND and liaise with their parents, teachers and other professionals who are involved with them.

All mainstream schools must appoint a teacher to be their SENCo.

The role of the SENCo is crucial for early years settings in supporting early identification and intervention for children with special educational needs and or disabilities and will be a useful contact for parent/carers who have any concerns about their child’s development.

Please see Supporting Information pages - under related advice, and downloads.

The type of responsibilities a SENCo has are:

Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the school’s SEND policy.

  • Supporting the identification of children with special educational needs.
  • Co-ordinating provision for children with SEND.
  • Liaising with parents of children with SEND.
  • Liaising with other providers, outside agencies, educational psychologists and external agencies particularly for children receiving support. Ensuring that the school keeps the records of all pupils with SEND up to date.

The SENCO should have the support of the head teacher and other teachers to try and develop effective ways of overcoming barriers to a child's learning and ensuring that they receive effective teaching through assessing the child’s needs and setting targets for improvement. SENCo’s must also collaborate with curriculum co-ordinators at the school to make sure that the learning requirements of all children with SEND are given equal emphasis and priority.

 When to consult a SENCo

If you think there may be something holding your child back, express those concerns.

If your child has not been diagnosed as having a special need, but you think things are not progressing as they should, have a meeting with the SENCo. If the needs are likely to be more than a minor concern that can be dealt with by the class teacher, the SENCo may observe the child, talk to other staff members and look at any records that may indicate a difficulty. This may suggest that the child just needs a little extra help, or that SEND professionals need to become involved to diagnose a graver difficulty, and perhaps initiate an Education, Health and Social Care (EHC) Plan.

The SENCo will then be the person who liaises with you, the teachers and teaching assistants about your child's needs. This isn't a one-way street - ensuring your child receives the full help necessary to fulfil their potential may require diligent homework, detailed searching and questions on your part.

Reviewed January 2024

Related Advice

ORDINARILY AVAILABLE statement - Provision the local authority (BFfC) expects to be made available by schools, early years and post-16 providers & SEND Support in Mainstream Schools Graduated Response Documents for Early Years & Schools

Page last reviewed: 19/01/2024

Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

SEND Local Offer

localoffer@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

Adult & Carers Support

CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
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