Special educational needs (SEN) support in schools and education settings

The role of the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)

The SENCO makes sure that pupils with special educational needs, including pupils with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs), are getting the support they need in school.

Every mainstream school (including academies and free schools) must have a SENCO. Colleges should have a named person in the college with oversight of SEN provision, similar to the role of the SENCO in schools.

OFSTED refer to the role of the SENCO in their inspection toolkit, highlighting the SENCO's responsibility for leading the school in providing SEN support:

Responsibilities of the SENCO

Key responsibilities of the SENCO include:

• overseeing the day-to-day running of the school’s SEN policy
• making sure children with SEN have everything they need to learn
• advising on how the school’s budget and resources are used to meet pupils’ needs
• making sure the school makes the reasonable adjustments and access arrangements needed under the Equality Act 2010
• co-ordinating additional support for pupils with SEN by working with:
  • parents and carers
  • designated teachers of looked after pupils with SEN
  • early years providers
  • other schools
  • the council and its support services
  • educational psychologists
  • other health and social care professionals

You can more information about the SENCO’s responsibilities in paragraphs 6.84 to 6.94 of the SEND Code of Practice.

What you need to become a SENCO

Every SENCO must be a qualified teacher.

SENCOs must also complete an additional qualification within 3 years of working in the role. Since September 2024, SENCOs must complete the SENCO national professional qualification (NPQ).

How to contact the SENCO

Every school must publish a SEND information report on the school website, which will include details of the SENCO and how to contact them. Their name and contact details are often found on other parts of the school website as well. If you're unsure, contact the school office.

SENCOs have a demanding workload. For many, they have a teaching commitment as well as other responsibilities in school, so they may not be able to meet with you immediately.

In some schools, particularly larger primary and secondary schools, there's likely to be a SEND team working closely with the SENCO to make sure the school fulfils its SEND responsibilities.