A SENCOSENCOThe SENCO is responsible for coordinating provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Those are children or young people who need more help than is normally available to pupils of the same age.  (special educational needs co-ordinator) is responsible for an education settings Special Educational Needs (SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age.) policy and for arranging help and assistance for children who need additional support.

Their job is to:

• make sure the SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. policy is used
• make sure staff in the setting understand their responsibilities for children with SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. and the setting’s approach to identifying and supporting SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age..
• work with parents to help their child. The SENCOSENCOThe SENCO is responsible for coordinating provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Those are children or young people who need more help than is normally available to pupils of the same age.  is likely to be the person who liaises with you about your child’s needs and any needs identified in the Education, Health and Care Plan if your child has one.
• support staff to identify, assess and plan for the needs of children with SEND and the development of support programmes.
• work with local council support services
• work with other professionals, as appropriate, to ensure support is co-ordinated and targeted.

SENCOs in early years education settings should be qualified to level 3 in a relevant childcare qualification. SENCOs in schools need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and have a postgraduate qualification.

SENCOs work in early years settings, schools and post-16 education provision.

Early yearsEarly yearsPre-school education provision including day nurseries, pre-schools, school nurseries, childminders and play groups.  settings must meet the SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. needs of the children they look after. Those in group provision are expected to identify a SENCOSENCOThe SENCO is responsible for coordinating provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Those are children or young people who need more help than is normally available to pupils of the same age. . Childminders are encouraged to identify a person to act as SENCOSENCOThe SENCO is responsible for coordinating provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Those are children or young people who need more help than is normally available to pupils of the same age.  and childminders who are registered with a childminder agency or who are part of a network could share the role between them.

All mainstream schools and maintained nursery schools must have a SENCOSENCOThe SENCO is responsible for coordinating provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Those are children or young people who need more help than is normally available to pupils of the same age. .

Mainstream colleges must support students with SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. in a similar way to schools. This includes doing everything they can to identify the needs of students with SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. and putting in place the help they need through SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. support. There should be a named person in charge of support for students with SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age..

Professionals working in education settings in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have access to professional development opportunities, including SENCOSENCOThe SENCO is responsible for coordinating provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Those are children or young people who need more help than is normally available to pupils of the same age.  networks, provided by the local authority through the Skillsgate platform. Some of this is funded and some is provided at a charge. Additionally, Teaching Schools provide a wide range of training on a range of inclusion related topics such as ASD. Schools and other education settings also provide their own development opportunities. The National Association of Special Educational Needs (NASEN) also provide development opportunities.