SENCO: role and responsibilities

Last reviewed on 9 February 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 201

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

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Contents

  1. Overview of a SENCO's role 
  2. Main areas of responsibility 

Overview of a SENCO's role 

Your school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) will: 

  • Help the headteacher and governing board determine the strategic development of SEN policy and provision in your school
  • Have day-to-day responsibility for:
    • Implementing 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.

See our other article to find out what types of schools are required to appoint a SENCO, and what qualifications they must have.

Main areas of responsibility 

Helping 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 meets its responsibilities under

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