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Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
A special educational needs coordinator is a teacher who is responsible for making sure a school meets the needs of all its pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They are often referred to as the ‘SENCO’.
Every state school (including academies and free schools) must appoint a SENCO. The SENCO must be a qualified teacher. They must have, or be working towards, an additional qualification in SEND.
The SENCO is responsible for making sure the school meets the needs of all pupils with SEND. So, not just those who have an education, health and care plan.
Their role include:
- Developing the school’s SEND policy.
- Coordinating support for pupils with SEND.
- Offering support and guidance on SEND to other teachers.
- Liaising with and supporting the families of pupils who have SEND.
- Working with the designated teacher to support any looked after pupils with SEND.
The SENCO will be a family’s main contact for discussing their child’s needs and what the school is doing to support them.
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