Question: Who is the SENCO?
Answer: A SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator) is a teacher at your child's school who is responsible for the management of children with special educational needs within their school.
Has this FAQ answered your query?
Question: What are special educational needs (SEN)?
Answer: The Special Educational Needs - Code of Practice says that a child has SEN if they have a learning difficulty which means they need extra help, beyond that which would normally be provided. -
Related LinkHas this FAQ answered your query? Question: What should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?
Answer: In the first instance you should speak with staff in school. If they feel it is appropriate they will make a referral to the Service, with your consent. -
Related LinkHas this FAQ answered your query? Question: What is Psychology?
Answer: Psychology is about how people think, feel and behave. As educational psychologists, we try to understand how children develop their ideas and skills as they grow up. -
Related LinkHas this FAQ answered your query? Question: What happens if the school tells me my child is still not making progress?
Answer: If there is not sufficient progress after a number of IEP cycles the SENCO will talk to you about involving external agencies. This might include the Educational Psychology Service. This stage is called School Action Plus and further IEPs will include any advice received. As with School Action, this should meet the needs of many children, who then move back to School Action. -
Related LinkHas this FAQ answered your query? Question: What is a Statement of Special Educational Needs?
Answer: A Statement of SEN is a document produced at the end of the Statutory Assessment process. It describes a child's special educational needs and how they will be met. -
Related LinkHas this FAQ answered your query? Question: How will I know if my child has special educational needs?
Answer: Your child's teacher shares concerns with you and discusses what could be done differently. They should then set up an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which sets targets for progress and is reviewed regularly. This stage is called SEN Support. In most cases this will help meet your child's needs and no further action will be necessary.
Has this FAQ answered your query?
Question: The school has all strategies in place - what if my child still doesn't progress?
Answer: In a very few cases, after intervention from SEN Support, consideration will be given to requesting a Statutory Assessment of your child's special educational needs. This process is controlled by the Local Authority and might result in an "Education, Health and Care Plan".
Has this FAQ answered your query?