SENDCO
The SENCO (special educational needs coordinator) leads and coordinates a school's provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. SENCO is the term used in England's SEND framework, including the mandatory SENCO qualification. SENDCO is a local title that some schools and organisations use for the same role.
Statutory check
SEND leadership check: evidence the graduated approach
Reviewed
A free termly check for SENDCOs and senior leaders. It helps you sample whether identification, provision and review are connected in practice; it does not replace the statutory Code or local authority guidance.
Before acting: Open the current SEND Code of Practice and confirm the applicable requirements before acting.
- Sample how needs are identified and confirm that assess, plan, do and review decisions are visible in pupil records.
- Trace a small number of provisions from identified need to intended outcome, delivery evidence and impact review.
- Check how pupil and parent views shape plans, reviews and transition decisions rather than appearing only as a recorded consultation.
- Confirm the SENCO qualification route and protected leadership access, then record any action that needs school, trust, health or local-authority ownership.
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