In every school, there are pupils who need a little extra help to thrive. Whether it’s with reading, writing, managing emotions or accessing the curriculum, every child deserves support that’s tailored to them. That’s where the SENCO comes in — the Special Educational Needs Coordinator — a key figure in ensuring pupils with additional needs get the help they need to succeed.

Let’s take a closer look at the role of a SENCO, how they support pupils, and why they’re such an important part of school life.

 

What Is a SENCO?

 

A SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is a qualified teacher who has responsibility for overseeing the support provided to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Every state-maintained school in the UK is required to have a SENCO, and many academies and independent schools do as well.

They don’t usually work alone — they collaborate with class teachers, teaching assistants, families, and external professionals to ensure that pupils with SEND are identified, supported, and able to access a meaningful education.

 

Why the SENCO Role Matters

 

The role of the SENCO is vital because pupils with additional needs often face barriers that can make learning more difficult. This might include:

 

* A specific learning difficulty like dyslexia or dyscalculia

* Autism or social communication differences

* Speech, language and communication needs

* Emotional or behavioural challenges

* Physical disabilities or sensory impairments

 

 

Without the right support, these pupils can struggle not just academically, but emotionally and socially too. The SENCO acts as a champion for these children, making sure their needs are recognised and met.

 

Key Responsibilities of a SENCO

 

Being a SENCO is a busy and varied role! Here are some of the core responsibilities they take on:

 

Identifying Pupils with Additional Needs

The first step in supporting pupils is recognising when they may need extra help. The SENCO helps to spot the signs of special educational needs by gathering information from teachers, parents, assessments and sometimes pupils themselves.

They may carry out observations, review progress data, or arrange for additional assessments to be completed either in school or by an external agency.

 

Coordinating Support Plans

Once a pupil’s needs have been identified, the SENCO works with others to put the right support in place. This might involve creating an Individual Support Plan (ISP) or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) depending on the level of need.

Support could include targeted interventions, in-class adjustments, or specialised resources. The SENCO ensures that everything is tailored to the pupil and reviewed regularly.

 

Supporting Teachers and Staff

The SENCO is also there to support classroom teachers and support staff. They offer guidance on how to adapt lessons, manage behaviour, and understand different learning needs.

They might provide training sessions on topics like autism awareness or dyslexia-friendly teaching strategies. This helps build a whole-school approach where inclusion is part of everyday teaching.

 

Working with Families

Families play a crucial role in their child’s education, and a good SENCO knows that open communication is key. They meet with parents and carers to listen to their concerns, share updates, and plan next steps together.

Sometimes, parents may feel overwhelmed or unsure about what help is available. The SENCO helps explain processes, rights, and next steps clearly and supportively.

 

Liaising with External Professionals

When a pupil needs support beyond what the school can provide alone, the SENCO coordinates with outside experts. This could include:

 

* Educational psychologists

* Speech and language therapists

* Occupational therapists

* CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

* Specialist outreach services

 

The SENCO ensures that these professionals are involved at the right times and that their advice is fed into the pupil’s support plan.

 

Monitoring Progress and Reviewing Support

A key part of the SENCO’s job is checking that support is working. They monitor how pupils are doing academically, socially, and emotionally — and tweak the plan if needed.

If progress is slow or barriers remain, they work with staff and families to try different approaches. They also play a central role in preparing reports and documents for formal reviews and annual EHCP meetings.

 

How SENCOs Support Inclusion Across the School

 

While much of the SENCO’s work is focused on individual pupils, they also help to shape the wider culture of the school. A great SENCO promotes inclusive values and ensures policies reflect the needs of all learners.

This could involve reviewing the accessibility of classrooms, contributing to staff training, or helping the school meet its legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Their work ensures that pupils with SEND are not just supported, but celebrated.

 

SENCOs and the Graduated Approach

 

The SEN Code of Practice in England recommends using a “graduated approach” to supporting pupils with SEND: Assess, Plan, Do, Review.

Assess – Understand the pupil’s needs through data, observation and discussion.

Plan – Create a strategy or intervention plan with clear outcomes.

Do – Put the plan into action, often led by teachers or support staff.

Review – Evaluate what’s worked and what hasn’t, and decide on next steps.

 

The SENCO guides this process for each pupil with SEND, helping to ensure their support evolves over time.

 

Working with Tutoring Providers to Enhance Support

 

In some cases, SENCOs look beyond the school staff team to provide targeted help — especially when pupils need more intensive or specialist support. One valuable option is partnering with trusted tutoring providers, such as Manning’s Tutors, to deliver tuition. This might involve arranging one-to-one or small group sessions during the school day, tailored to the pupil’s individual learning needs. SENCOs can work closely with the tutoring team to align interventions with existing support plans, track progress, and ensure consistency. These collaborations can make a real difference, helping pupils grow in confidence, close learning gaps, and feel more engaged in their education.

 

The Wrap Up

 

The SENCO role is one of the most dynamic and meaningful positions in a school. It’s about problem-solving, collaboration, and above all, believing in every pupil’s potential.

By helping pupils access the curriculum, develop confidence, and find their voice, the SENCO plays a key part in shaping positive futures.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone curious about how schools work — now you know just how vital this role is.