What Is The Role of a SENCo?
If your child has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), you’ve probably heard the word SENCo mentioned more than once. For many families, the SENCo becomes a key person in their child’s education; the one who makes sure support is put in place, who listens to concerns, and who helps navigate the often confusing SEND system.
But what exactly does a SENCo do, and how can you work with them to make sure your child gets the help they need?
Your Child’s Key Ally in School
SENCo stands for Special Educational Needs Coordinator. Every school and nursery in England must have one, and colleges also have someone responsible for SEND provision (although they may be called something slightly different, like a SEND Manager or Head of Learning Support).
The SENCo’s role is to make sure children and young people with additional needs get the right support to learn and thrive. They act as the link between families, teachers, and outside professionals. They don’t usually spend all day teaching children with SEND, but they play a crucial role in shaping the support your child receives.
Key Responsibilities of a SENCo
A SENCo’s role can vary depending on the setting, but typically they:
• Identify needs - working with teachers and parents to spot when a child may be struggling.
• Plan support - putting in place strategies, interventions, or adjustments.
• Coordinate staff - ensuring teachers and teaching assistants know how best to support children with SEND.
• Work with families - listening to parents and involving them in decisions.
• Liaise with professionals - such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational
therapists.
• Oversee paperwork - such as SEN Support plans, targets, and contributions to EHCPs, as well as annual reviews.
• Promote inclusion - shaping school culture so that all children are supported and valued.
Do SENCos Need Training?
A teacher with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) can be appointed as SENCo before they have completed SENCo training. However, they must undertake NPQ (SENCo), (before September 2024 they would have completed the the National Award for SEN Coordination instead) within three years of starting the role.
Importantly, even if they haven’t completed the qualification yet, the legal obligations and expectations of the role remain exactly the same. Parents should feel confident that the SENCo is accountable for ensuring the right support is in place.
Because of this, if something a SENCo advises feels “off” to you, it’s always worth doing your own research, checking the SEND Code of Practice, or seeking independent advice. At SEND Meadow, we’re here to help families navigate confusing or conflicting information so that you feel confident about the support your child is entitled to.
Working With Your SENCo
It’s important to remember that SENCos often carry a very heavy workload and may be balancing the needs of many children across the school. Wherever possible, aim to work with your SENCo, not against them. A collaborative relationship built on mutual respect can make a huge difference for your child.
Tips for Working with Your School’s SENCo
• Introduce yourself early - don’t wait until things get difficult.
• Keep communication open - share what’s working (or not) at home.
• Ask questions - about interventions, progress, or next steps.
• Know your rights - you should be involved in decisions, not just informed afterwards.
• Stay collaborative - approach conversations as a team effort, focused on your child’s best interests.
Final Thoughts
The SENCo plays a central role in making sure children and young people with SEND get the right support. Building a positive, collaborative relationship with them can make a real difference to your child’s experience in education.
And if you ever feel unsure about the advice you’ve been given, remember you’re not alone, SEND Meadow is here to help you understand your rights and feel confident in the next steps.
Contact us to arrange a free initial phone call consultation.