Everything You Need to Start Leading SEND

This comprehensive pack contains 18 resources designed to support new SENDCos through their first term and beyond, providing structure, clarity and confidence as you establish your role.

Essential Templates (16 editable documents)

Getting Started Tools:

• New to SENDCo Checklist - your roadmap for the first crucial weeks and months
• SENDCo Handover Checklist - gather key information from your predecessor
• SEND Folder Checklist - organise your whole-school SEND file effectively

Assessment & Planning:

• SEND Self-Evaluation Form - evaluate current provision across leadership, teaching quality and outcomes (available as an individual purchase too)
• SEND Action Plan - turn your findings into structured, strategic priorities
• SEND Snapshot Audit - quick-start review tool for early-stage evaluation
• SEND Skills Audit - reflective tool to identify your CPD needs and track professional growth (also available to purchase separately)

Communication & Engagement:

• SEND Question Bank - conversation starters for staff, parents, governors and pupils
• Staff SEND Subject Knowledge Questions - gauge colleague confidence and training needs
• SEN Information Report Checklist - ensure statutory compliance and best practice

Pupil-Centred Resources:

• Provision Map - record interventions clearly, linking to pupil needs and outcomes
• Playground and Classroom Observation Records - track engagement across different environments
• Pupil on a Page Profile - capture strengths, needs and support strategies accessibly
• Review Meetings Template - structured forms for progress updates and next steps

Guidance Documents

Everything You Need to Start Leading SEND Guide

Seven-page PDF guidance giving you a step-by-step roadmap through the first month, including:

• Five immediate priorities to tackle from day one
• Week-by-week task breakdown for your first 30 days
• Practical advice on adapting to your school's context
• Tips on building relationships with staff, parents and pupils

SEND Jargon Buster

Quick-reference guide explaining common SEND terms, abbreviations and acronyms in clear, accessible language.

All templates (excluding PDFs) use editable formats (Microsoft Word .docx files) and include guidance notes.

This pack is specifically designed for education professionals who are new to SEND leadership or transitioning into SENDCo responsibilities. Whether you're completely new to the role or bringing experience from another setting, these resources provide the structure and confidence you need to succeed.

Perfect if you're:

• Taking on the SENDCo role for the first time
• Moving to a new school as an experienced SENDCo
• Stepping up from classroom teacher to SEND leadership
• Looking for structured guidance during a mid-year appointment
• Wanting to refresh your systems and approach

Ideal for:

• Primary and secondary schools
• Mainstream settings with SEND provision
• New SENDCos starting in September or mid-year
• SENCos wanting comprehensive, ready-to-use templates
• Headteachers looking to support incoming SENDCo to hit the ground running

Starting as a SENDCo can feel overwhelming with so many responsibilities and stakeholders to consider. This pack addresses the most common questions and challenges new SEND leaders face:

• What should I prioritise in my first month as SENDCo? - Step-by-step guidance breaks down your first 30 days into manageable weekly tasks
• How do I conduct a handover an outgoing SENCo? - The comprehensive SEND Handover Checklist ensures you gather all essential information
• What documents should be in my SEND file? - The complete SEND Folder Checklist helps you organise everything in one accessible place
• How do I evaluate current SEND provision quickly? - The SEND snapshot audit tool gives you an immediate overview of strengths and gaps
• What questions should I ask staff, parents and pupils? - Ready-made SEND question banks can guide your first conversations with all stakeholders
• How do I track pupil progress and interventions effectively? - Provision mapping and observation templates provide you with clear tracking systems
• What are my training needs as a new SENDCo? - Skills audit helps you identify CPD priorities and plan professional development
• How do I create pupil profiles that actually help staff? - User-friendly templates capture essential information in an accessible format

Every template is fully editable, allowing you to adapt content to your school's context, add branding, and modify language to suit your setting and stakeholders.

If you're establishing SEND leadership in your school, these related resources can help you deepen your understanding, strengthen provision quality and develop strategic oversight once you've completed your initial setup.

Inclusion Audit Pack
Comprehensive evaluation tool to review inclusion, SEND and disadvantaged pupil provision across eight key areas, supporting self-evaluation, continuous improvement and strategic leadership for inclusive education.

SEND Quality Assurance and Evaluation Pack
A deep-dive toolkit to help SENDCos monitor SEND provision in practice, evaluate impact and quality assure inclusive practice across your school with detailed observation and evaluation frameworks.

SEND and Inclusion Link Governor Support Pack
Comprehensive resource to help link governors understand their role in SEND oversight, ask the right questions and support strategic leadership of inclusive provision across the school.

Have a look at what's in the pack here: Everything You Need to Start Leading SEND