Role of the Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)

Course introduction

The role of the SENCo is one of the most demanding and complex roles in school. It involves extensive amounts of leadership, collaboration and a significant helping of specialist knowledge and understanding of needs and legal systems. This course is designed to provide you with practical tools, strategies, information and resources to implement straight away. There will also be opportunities to discuss specific challenges with the trainer and network with others.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand the SEND Code of Practice;

• Unpick the role of the SENDCo;

• Look at efficient ways to set up/reviewing effective systems;

• Discuss EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plan);

• Understand the Equality Act 2010 and Reasonable Adjustments;

• Look at auditing interventions and support;

• Unpick effective interventions and share good practice;

• Look at effective deployment of SEND support staff;

• Explore ways to develop pupil voice;

• Understand the importance of working in partnership with parents;

• Look at ways to providing effective staff CPD;

• Promote adaptive teaching in the classroom;

• Discuss how to set up a staff resource bank;

• Look at ways to ensuring successful transitions;

• Measure achievement and evaluating the experiences of pupils with SEND;

• Gather evidence for Ofsted inspection;

• Gain confidence to effectively present data and Information;

• Developing an action plan.

Target audience

For new SENDCos and SENDCos wanting to refresh/review their practise.

Trainers for this course

Karen Ferguson

BSc (Hons), QTS, MEd, MA

Karen is currently working part-time in a mainstream Primary School as SENDCO, while the remaining part of her week is spent supporting and training. Karen started teaching science at a... mainstream secondary school in 2000 but moved into the SEND environment, working with children and parents to help them overcome their barriers to education to give them the skills to achieve their full potential. The majority of her training was on the job, which showed the need for training in this area. She was appointed as a Specialist Leader in Education for Autism, and this allowed her to disseminate good practice and deliver training in the field of SEND. Karen offers various SEND, Neurodivergent and condition specific training, including Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia. She has continued her professional development throughout the years, including a Master in Arts, Master in Education, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and PDA formal qualifications. She is currently working towards her NPQSEN. Karen believes that a better understanding of SEND, Neurodivergence and complex needs can be achieved through information sharing, and she is committed to ensuring that education is developed and delivered to as many people as possible.Read more

See what others have to say about us

“Just what I was looking for. I’m new to the role of SENCO and now I feel confident I know what I need to do – Thank you.”

"Excellent and I would highly recommend. It does exactly what it says on the tin. I’ve been a SENCO for a few years and this course had really helped me."

“Sam was brilliant. Made a tough subject easy to follow and entertaining. I will definitely be recommending this course to my fellow SENCOs.”

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please Note – the cost is per person