These questions support preparation and panel discussion. For appointments in England, use the current guidance and your school or trust’s recruitment policy.
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SENDCO / SENCO interview questions
Interview questions and answer guidance for SENDCO appointments, covering the graduated approach, provision, family involvement and inclusion.
Curated questions and related role articles are maintained by the HeadteacherChat editorial team. Reviewed 6 September 2026.
Curated questions
Questions written and checked by our team, with the evidence a strong answer should demonstrate.
Browse question themes9 themes
Statutory duties
2 panel questions
Question 1How would you assure the school is meeting its duties under the SEND Code of Practice and the graduated approach?
Strong answers usually demonstrate
An example of assess, plan, do and review with the pupil, family and teachers; clear responsibilities, an agreed review date and evidence that support changed when it was not effective.
Question 2How do you make sure the school meets its duties under the Equality Act, including reasonable adjustments?
Strong answers usually demonstrate
Examples of identifying barriers and arranging reasonable adjustments across lessons, trips and wider school life. Ask how the candidate would check that agreed adjustments happen in practice.
Provision mapping
1 panel question
Question 1Walk us through how you'd map and evaluate the impact of SEND provision across the school.
Strong answers usually demonstrate
Outcome-focused provision mapping tied to spending decisions, not just a list of interventions.
Inclusion leadership
1 panel question
Question 1How would you help teachers adapt classroom teaching while ensuring pupils receive any additional provision they need?
Strong answers usually demonstrate
Specific classroom adaptations, staff coaching and checks on participation and learning. Better classroom teaching should not be used as a reason to withhold necessary specialist provision.
Parent partnership
1 panel question
Question 1Describe how you'd rebuild a parent's trust after a breakdown over their child's support.
Strong answers usually demonstrate
Empathy, transparency, co-production of the plan, and reliable follow-through.
EHCP process
1 panel question
Question 1Walk us through how you manage an application for an EHC needs assessment and the annual review cycle.
Strong answers usually demonstrate
A clear account of the school and local authority’s respective responsibilities, evidence gathering, pupil and family involvement, and how statutory deadlines are tracked and escalated.
Multi-agency working
1 panel question
Question 1How do you coordinate support across health, social care, and education for a child with complex needs?
Strong answers usually demonstrate
Effective partnership working, clear communication, and keeping the child at the centre.
Data & impact
1 panel question
Question 1How do you evaluate whether SEND interventions are actually improving outcomes and value for money?
Strong answers usually demonstrate
Baseline and progress data, professional judgement, and willingness to stop what isn't working.
Staff development
1 panel question
Question 1How would you build staff confidence and expertise in adaptive teaching for SEND?
Strong answers usually demonstrate
A CPD strategy, coaching, and modelling — not reliance on a few specialist adults.
Safeguarding
1 panel question
Question 1Children with SEND can be more vulnerable. How does that shape your safeguarding practice?
Strong answers usually demonstrate
Awareness of heightened risk, accessible ways for pupils to communicate, and vigilance.
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Recruitment
SENDCO / SENCO interview questions FAQs
What SENDCO interview topics come up most?
Expect questions on provision mapping, statutory compliance, multi-agency working, parent partnership, and how SEND is led across the school.
Which SENCO qualification should applicants check?
Check the current DfE requirements and the person specification. The SENCO NPQ replaced NASENCO as the mandatory qualification from September 2024, with transitional provisions and exemptions for some existing SENCOs.
How should a panel use these questions fairly?
Choose questions relevant to the published role and agree what evidence you will assess before interviewing. Use a consistent core set, make appropriate adjustments, and record evidence rather than rewarding a rehearsed style. These prompts support your recruitment process; they do not replace required checks.