What does an SEN co-ordinator (SENCo) do?
The SENCo works with the headteacher/principal and governing body.
They help determining the strategic development of the SEN policy and provision.
They work to raise the achievement of children and young people with SEN.
The SENCo takes day-to-day responsibility for the provisions made for children with SEN.
They work with;
- staff
- parents
- carers
- other agencies
The SENCo also provides professional guidance to colleagues. Securing high quality teaching for children and young people with SEN.
In mainstream education settings, the main responsibilities of the SENCo may include:
- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy.
- Liaising with and advising fellow teachers.
- Managing the SEN team of teachers and learning support assistants/teaching assistants.
- Co-ordinating provision for pupils with special educational needs.
- Overseeing the records on all pupils with special educational needs.
- Liaising with parents/carers of pupils with special educational needs.
- Contributing to the in-service training of staff.
- Liaising with external agencies including:
- local authority’s support and educational psychology services,
- health services,
- social care,
- voluntary bodies.