SENCO: role and responsibilities

Get an overview of the special educational needs co-ordinator's (SENCO) role and a list of their main responsibilities.

Last reviewed on 5 January 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 201
Contents
  1. Overview of the role of the SENCO
  2. Main areas of responsibility 

Overview of the role of the SENCO

Your school's SENCO will: 

  • Help the headteacher and governing board determine the strategic development of the special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in your school
  • Have day-to-day responsibility for:
    • Implementing the SEN policy
    • Co-ordinating any specific provisions for individual pupils with SEN, including those with education, health and care (EHC) plans
  • Advise staff about SEN strategy and provision
  • Work closely with staff, parents and local agencies

Your governing board (or the proprietors of your school if you're an academy or free school) will decide on any other duties.

Find out more about what types of schools are required to appoint a SENCO, and what qualifications they must have in our other article.

Main areas of responsibility 

Help to develop the whole-school SEN strategy

Advise on the deployment of the school’s delegated budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively Make sure the school