The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) has responsibility, in schools and early education settings, for the operation of the SEN policy and coordination of provision for children with learning difficulties.

In conjunction with the headteacher at the school, and the governing body, the SENCO seeks to develop effective ways of overcoming barriers to learning and sustaining effective teaching to meet pupils’ needs.

The key responsibilities of the SENCO include:

• overseeing the day to day operation of the school’s SEN policy

• liaising with and advising fellow teachers
• managing the SEN team of teachers and learning support assistants
• coordinating provision for pupils with special educational needs
• overseeing the records on all pupils with special educational needs
• liaising with parents of pupils with special educational needs
• contributing to the in-service training of staff
• liaising with external agencies.

The SENCO also has responsibility for completing the school’s and individual pupil’s CRISP records in liaison with parents and external agencies.