SENDCo Skills Audit Pack

A quick-and-easy pack to audit the skills of a SENDCo. This pack contains concise guidance to support you in effectively utilising the skills audit, whether you're line managing a SENCo or whether you're a SEND and Inclusion leader yourself who's wanting to evaluate your strengths and areas for improvement.  

Included is a 21-page template covering the different areas of skills that a special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator may need. These are split into handy sections, such as teaching and learning, SEND provision, leadership and management, and more so they can be used flexibly. Questions include:

• How do I instil a love for learning by providing engaging and meaningful educational experiences for all pupils with SEND?
• Do I manage and deploy staff effectively to ensure all pupils with SEND access high-quality teaching, learning and support?
• What steps do I take to support curriculum leaders in providing effective support for pupils with SEND?
• How do I actively advocate for the rights and needs of pupils with SEND within the school community?

The pack is aimed at supporting SENDCos but can be used by anyone who line manages a SENCo, such as assistant SENDCos, deputy SENDCos, SEND strategic leads, trust-wide SEND leads, cluster SEND leads, trainee SENCos or other senior leadership roles, such as a deputy or assistant headteacher who holds responsibility for SEND and inclusion. This can help to inform appraisal and performance management processes, as well as identify CPD needs for the SEND leader.

Whether staff members are new-to-role or have vast experience in their area, skills audits are a valuable self-evaluation tool. When a staff member reflects on their competencies and expertise, they’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths they bring to their role while identifying opportunities for growth or next steps. This self-awareness can boost confidence and self-belief, as well as enabling individuals to articulate their unique contributions to the team.

When skill gaps are identified, performance targets can include specific objectives aimed at addressing these gaps, allowing those with line management responsibilities to support the staff member through professional development and further training. Skills audits can also help school leaders to create balanced teams, prepare for change, support staff retention and assist in succession planning. 

Key questions answered:

• Why is it important for staff to utilise skills audits?
• How should a skills audit be conducted?
• How can skills audits inform performance management targets?
• How can leaders identify individual staff training needs?
• What other ways can skills audits be used?

Skills audits can be used as a valuable part of the induction process when a new staff member joins your team. Find out more about how to craft staff induction procedures that allow staff to get off to a flying start in your setting with the following pack: 

• Staff Induction Pack 

If you know that your staff have training and development needs, and are looking to enhance your CPD planning, this pack will support your thinking:

• CPD Planning and Preparation Pack

If you're thinking about recruiting a SENDCo, and want to use the skills audit as part of that process, then you may also find the following packs helpful:

• SENDCo Interview Pack
• Recruitment, Interview and Employment Compliance Guidance Pack
• More information on our job interview packs for different roles
• More skills audits for different roles