About this role
General information:
The SENDCO, under the direction of the headteacher, will:
Determine the strategic development of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) policy and provision in the schoolBe responsible for day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disabilityProvide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and other agenciesThe SENDCO will also be expected to fulfil the professional responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document.
Main duties and responsibilities
Strategic development of SEN policy and provision
Have a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability across the school, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provisionContribute to school self-evaluation, particularly with respect to provision for pupils with SEN or a disabilityEnsure the SEN policy is put into practice, and that the objectives of this policy are reflected in the school improvement planMaintain an up-to-date knowledge of national and local initiatives which may affect the school’s policy and practiceEvaluate whether funding is being used effectively, and propose changes to make use of funding more effectiveOperation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of provisionMaintain an accurate SEND register and provision mapProvide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with SEN or a disability, and advise on the graduated approach to SEN supportAdvise on the use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively, including staff deploymentBe aware of the provision in the local offerWork with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agenciesBe a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authorityAnalyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disabilityImplement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN, and evaluate their effectivenessSupport for pupils with SEN or a disabilityIdentify a pupil’s SENCo-ordinate provision that meets the pupil’s needs, and monitor its effectivenessDesign and monitor the use of appropriate interventions and maintain a school timetable, ensuring that staff skills are matched to pupil needModel and provide specific interventions for children as required.Secure relevant services for the pupilEnsure records are maintained and kept up to dateReview the education, health and care plan with parents or carers and the pupilCommunicate regularly with parents or carersEnsure that if the pupil transfers to another school, all relevant information is conveyed to it, and support a smooth transition for the pupilPromote the pupil’s inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activitiesWork with the designated teacher for looked-after children, where a looked-after pupil has SEN or a disability
Leadership and management
Work with the school leadership team, including Headteacher and governors to ensure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 in terms of reasonable adjustments and access arrangementsPrepare and review information the governing board is required to publishContribute to the school improvement plan and whole-school policyIdentify, overview and manage training needs for staff and decide how to meet these needsLead INSET for staffShare procedural information, such as the school’s SEN policyPromote an ethos and culture that supports the school’s SEN policy and promotes good outcomes for pupils with SEN or a disabilityInput to leadership and management of teachers, in relation to their work for pupils with SEN or a disability, working with Headteacher.Input to leadership and management of teaching assistants, working with teachers regarding pupils with SEN or a disability, including contributing to appraisals.
The SENCO will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, and follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.
Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the SENCO will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Headteacher.