Special educational needs coordinator (SENCo)

What is the role of a SENCo?

A special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is a designated member of staff at a primary or secondary school or at an early years setting. They oversee the day-to-day provision for children with special educational needs (SEN). This includes those who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

The SENCo is a qualified teacher in schools or maintained nursery schools. They should make sure SEN Support makes a difference for pupils.

A SENCo will advise on the use of the school’s delegated budget and resources. All the information about how the school supports, identifies and assesses children, is contained within the school’s SEN information report. You can search for a school on Norfolk Schoolfinder and find a link to their report.

The key responsibilities of a SENCo are:

Overseeing day-to-day operation of school’s SEN policy
Coordinating provision for children with SEN
Advising on use of delegated SEN budget and other resources
Making regular contact with parents/carers of children with SEN
Overseeing and ensuring that SEN records are up-to-date
Linking with and being a key point of contact with other educational settings and external agencies. This includes EHC plan coordinators, us (the local authority), educational psychologists, health and social services and independent or voluntary bodies
Liaising with and advising other teachers on the graduated approach to SEN Support. In secondary schools, the SENCo manages the SEN team and learning support assistants
Contributing to the in-service training of staff
Working with the head and governors regarding the Equality Act
Liaising with the designated teacher, where a looked after child has SEN

Who does a SENCo work for?

A SENCo is employed by each school or early years setting.

Contact a SENCo

You can ask your school or early years setting for a meeting with the SENCo. You can find contact details for all Norfolk schools on Norfolk Schoolfinder.