The role of the SENDCO

SENDCOs work in schools to support children, families, and staff. They ensure that students with special educational needs can access education and achieve their potential. The SENDCO works closely with the headteacher and governors to ensure a clear strategic plan for special educational needs and disabilities provision.

The SENDCO is a statutory post in every school. They must be qualified teachers and complete professional qualifications within three years of taking the post.

Early years providers and colleges may not have anyone with SENDCO as their job title. But they must have plans to help identify and support children with SEND. 

The job of a SENDCO

The SENDCO is a link between students, teaching staff, and necessary support either internally or from an external professional. 

If you are a parent or carer your first port of call should always be the person working most closely with your child – for example, their key worker or class teacher. The SENDCO is available to provide support along the way when needed.

The role of a SENDCO includes:

• Observing students, conducting assessments, and planning appropriate support.
• Support staff in designing bespoke timetables, including additional support.
• Coordinating reviews and managing paperwork related to SEND support and education, health and care needs plan (EHCP).
• Providing personalised support during exams and key transitions.
• Ensuring parents know and understand the support their child needs.
• Coordinating specialist support for students, such as therapists and other teams.
• Ensuring the school delivers support according to the school’s strategy and the assess, plan, do, review cycle (graduated approach).
• Making sure other staff are provided with the specialist support they need, which is a legal requirement. 
• Keeping the knowledge of their colleagues up to date by delivering training.

Having concerns

First, speak to your early years provider, school or college to understand more about the support available to your child. This may be their key worker, class teacher, year group lead or tutor.

You do not need to wait. You must understand how your child is progressing, and you can do this anytime. Get some top tips on how to have those conversations.