Being a Senco!
Being a Senco!
What is the core purpose
of being a Senco?
Core purpose of Senco
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Formulate and implement
whole school strategy for SEN
Responsibility for day to day
operation of provision for SEN
Ensuring all staff recognise
the importance of planning for
all pupils
Key role in supporting and
motivating colleagues in
relation to SEN
Core purpose of Senco
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Managing teaching assistants
Working with Senior Management
Team to monitor the effectiveness
of SEN provision
Develop effective working
relationships with parents
Follow through referrals for
Graduated Response
Keep all parties informed about
the Inclusive practices of the
school
Being a Senco!
What are the Key outcomes of
Effective Coordination in
Schools for…….?
 Pupils
 Teachers
 Teaching Assistants
 Headteachers
 Parents
 Governors
The Key outcomes of Effective
Coordination in Schools are:Pupils with SEN
 are confident, motivated to learn
 they are able to listen and respond
appropriately
 understand their targets
 Express themselves effectively
through whatever means
 Make progress
The Key outcomes of Effective
Coordination in Schools are:Teachers who: Are familiar with schools policy
 Identify pupils who need provision
 Differentiate
 Direct teaching assistants
effectively
 Have high expectations
 Provide appropriate support
The Key outcomes of Effective
Coordination in Schools are:-
Teaching Assistants who: Understand their role
 Work collaboratively with
senco and teaching staff
 Develop their skills
The Key outcomes of Effective
Coordination in Schools are:-
Parents who: Share information about their
child’s progress etc.
 Are valued as part of a
partnership with the school
 Have opportunity to share
skills
The Key outcomes of Effective
Coordination in Schools are:Headteachers who: Support the pivotal role of the
Senco
 Promote effective learning for all
pupils
 Work with Senco in initiating,
planning, delivering, monitoring an
effective strategy for teaching and
learning
 Monitor effectiveness of support
 Set priorities for Senco
The Key outcomes of Effective
Coordination in Schools are:-
Governors who:
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Understand their role in
relation to SEN
Liaise regularly with Senco to
monitor and evaluate provision
for SEN
Being a Senco!
What professional
knowledge and
understanding should a
Senco have?
What professional knowledge and
understanding should a Senco have?
Sencos should have understanding of: Characteristics of effective teaching
and learning styles
 Be able to devise implement and
evaluate systems for assessing and
reviewing progress of pupils with SEN
 Individual educational plans/
programmes
What professional knowledge and
understanding should a Senco have?
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Resources that can help pupils
Relevant legislation, Code of Practice
etc.
Research
Requirements to communicate
effectively to all parties, inc.transition
Interpret specialist information on
teaching programmes
Contribute to professional development
of other staff in the school
Being a Senco!
What skills and attributes
should a Senco have?
Skills and attributes of a Senco
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Leadership and management skills
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Professional competence and
expertise
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Decision making skills
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Communication skills
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Self-management skills
Skills and attributes of a Senco
Attributes
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Energy,
Enthusiasm,
Personal vision,
Positive attitude
Self- confidence
Flexibility and adaptability in changing
circumstances
Intellectual ability
Reliability, integrity and commitment
High but realistic expectations of
him/herself and others
Being a Senco!
What are the key areas for
Co-ordination?
Key areas for Co-ordination
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Strategic direction and
development
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Teaching and learning
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Leading and Managing staff
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Efficient and effective
deployment of staff and
resources
Being a Senco!
What is the Senco role in
the context of the whole
school?
The Senco role in the context of the
whole school
Sencos require:
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A commitment to inclusive practice
and SEN from the whole school
Opportunities to work closely with
the Headteacher and senior
Management team
Access to a telephone line,
interview room and clerical support
The Senco role in the context of the
whole school
Sencos require:
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Adequate resources and a clearly
defined budget
Access to appropriate training
Opportunities to share best
practice with other Sencos