New SENDCo Guide 2025: Essential Steps for Special Educational Needs Coordinators
Get to know the role and the legal framework
As a SENDCo, you're guided by the SEND Code of Practice, a crucial document that outlines the statutory framework for identifying, assessing and supporting pupils with SEND. Knowing the Code of Practice will help you to navigate your new responsibilities and ensure your school remains compliant with regulations. Key aspects to get to grips with early on include:
- The Graduated Approach - Understand the assess, plan, do, review cycle, which is foundational to planning and evaluating support for pupils with SEND.
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) - Familiarise yourself with the criteria and process for EHCPs, as you’ll likely manage these alongside parents, specialists and the local authority.
- Know the indicators and signs of SEND and have a strategy for early identification to ensure pupils get timely support.
You may find this free New to SENDCo checklist a helpful starting point as you begin your new role. It will walk you through the tasks you need to prioritise early on and those to start being prepared for that will come soon.
Key Areas to Master Early On
The Graduated Approach: Assess, Plan, Do, Review
The graduated approach is foundational to planning and evaluating support for pupils with SEND. This four-stage cycle ensures that interventions are evidence-based, regularly monitored and adjusted based on pupil progress:
- Assess - Identify the child's needs through observation, assessment and consultation
- Plan - Determine the support and interventions required
- Do - Implement the planned support with clear responsibilities
- Review - Evaluate the impact and adjust as needed
Understanding and implementing this cycle effectively is central to your role as a SENDCo and demonstrates your commitment to the assess-plan-do-review framework during inspections.
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
Familiarise yourself with the criteria and process for EHCPs, as you'll likely manage these alongside parents, specialists and the local authority. EHCPs are legal documents that describe a child's special educational needs and the support required to meet those needs.
Key EHCP responsibilities include:
- Supporting families through the application process
- Coordinating annual reviews
- Ensuring provision outlined in EHCPs is delivered
- Liaising with local authority SEND teams
- Monitoring progress toward EHCP outcomes
Early Identification of SEND
Research shows that early identification of special educational needs can improve pupil outcomes by up to 40%. Knowing the indicators and signs of SEND and having a clear strategy for early identification ensures pupils receive timely, appropriate support.
What qualifications do you need to be a SENDCo?
To become a SENDCo in England, you must be a qualified teacher and complete the National Award for SEN Coordination within three years of appointment (unless you took up the role before September 2009). The role requires strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and experience supporting pupils with additional needs.
Build relationships
Strong relationships are at the heart of effective SEND provision. You'll need the support and collaboration of school staff, pupils and their families to create an inclusive and supportive environment. Some top tips for developing relationships early on in your role include:
- Schedule check-ins with teachers to discuss the needs of pupils on the SEND register to exchange insights and share strategies. It's important to keep teachers informed so that they can feel part of the support network for the child.
- Reach out to parents and carers early to establish a supportive partnership. A proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to their child’s wellbeing and learning, and it means you can find out a little more about how their child's needs are displayed at home. Opening the lines of communication also means they're more likely to come to you directly when needed, rather than going elsewhere or sitting silently.
- Teaching assistants often work directly with pupils with SEND so it's important to meet with them regularly to ensure they have the guidance and resources needed to support individual learning needs effectively. It also shows your level of support for them, and they have regular opportunities to ask for assistance or clarification if unsure.
Establish effective record-keeping processes
Maintaining and updating documentation is a critical part of the SENDCo role, ensuring transparency and continuity of support. Accurate records are essential for planning, reviewing progress and sharing information with other professionals.
You'll want to ensure you keep records of:
- An up-to-date SEND register list, detail pupils' specific needs and current support measures.
- Support plans, reasonable adjustments and interventions that are taking place so you can measure the impact of the actions taken.
- Conversations, meetings and any agreed changes. These notes can be invaluable during reviews or when liaising with external agencies.
This SEND Deep Dive Pack includes a document and files checklist so you can ensure you have everything you need in one place.
If you want to work through all of your processes and procedures, this SEND Audit and Action Plan pack is also ideal to help you identify areas of priority going forward.
Seek support and mentorship
Every SENDCo benefits from a network of support and learning. Being new to the role, it’s helpful to connect with others who understand the complexities and can offer advice. If your school haven't already provided you with one, seek out a more experienced SENDCo within or outside of your school who can provide guidance, answer questions and share their experiences. Building connections with local SENDCos can also be helpful for when pupils transition between settings.
You may also find it helpful to join groups or online forums for SENDCos. These networks offer a wealth of resources and advice, especially during tricky times.
SEND is a rapidly evolving field, so regular training is essential. Look out for SEND courses and conferences to build your expertise. This SENDCo Skills Audit is also helpful to help you to identify your strengths and areas for development so you can select CPD accordingly.
With preparation, a support network and the right resources, you’ll be well-equipped to support your pupils, families and colleagues in building a truly inclusive educational environment. Congratulations on your new role!