Implementing Whole-School Approaches to SEND

SENDCOs face increasing demands due to rising numbers of pupils needing support. Successful schools adopt a whole-school approach to SEND, ensuring all staff engage with inclusion. Effective discussions about SEND should occur without the SENDCO’s presence, fostering collaboration and shared ownership. This collective focus and ongoing training are essential for meaningful progress.

The regular habits of a strategic SENDCO

SENDCOs face demanding roles filled with daily tasks such as managing pupils, coordinating with staff, and communicating with parents, which can hinder strategic oversight. Successful SENDCOs turn strategic priorities into manageable habits while aligning them with school goals. Realistic planning and support are essential to maintain focus on long-term objectives.

SENDCOs and SLT – is it really that simple?

It’s a popular refrain that SENDCOs should be on SLT. So, in order to ensure effective leadership of SEND, should schools be placing their SENDCO on SLT? I wonder if that’s not only over-simplistic as a solution – it may even be that we’re asking the wrong question in the first place.