SENDCo stands for special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator. They are also called SENCOs in some schools.
A SENDCo is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school’s SEN policy.
A SENDCo (SENCO) is a qualified teacher who has had extra training about SEND. They arrange all the extra support for children and young people with SEND.
Their job is to:
- put the setting's SEND policy into effect on a daily basis
- help staff to support children with SEND
- work with parents to help their child
- work with local council support services
- work with other professionals, for example, in health services.
Where SENDCo's work
All mainstream schools, and nursery schools, must have a SENDCO.
Specialist schools and Independent schools don’t have to have a SENDCO but generally they will have one.
Find out more
Speak to, or visit, your child's setting to find out about their SENDCO.