What is a SENCO?
A SENCO is a special educational needs coordinator: the teacher who leads support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in a school. The role comes from the English SEND Code of Practice, which requires mainstream schools in England to have a qualified teacher as SENCO. British-curriculum international schools in the Gulf, Asia and Africa widely use the title too.
What this means in practice
The SENCO coordinates rather than does all the support. They make sure needs are identified, plans are written and reviewed, staff are trained, and families and outside specialists are involved.
What a SENCO does
- Oversees identification of pupils with SEND.
- Coordinates support plans and reviews with teachers and families.
- Guides teachers on adaptations and interventions.
- Manages learning support assistants and their deployment.
- Liaises with educational psychologists, therapists and other services.
- Keeps records and reports to school leaders.
Qualifications
In England a SENCO must be a qualified teacher, and newly appointed SENCOs must gain a mandatory SENCO qualification within three years; the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs replaced the earlier award from 2024. International schools set their own requirements but often follow English practice.
Equivalent roles
Inclusion lead or inclusion champion in Dubai, inclusion teacher in Abu Dhabi, special educator or inclusion coordinator in India, learning support coordinator elsewhere.
Practical next steps
- Find out who the SENCO or inclusion lead is in your school.
- Share concerns about pupils early, with examples.
- Follow the support plans the SENCO coordinates.
- Ask the SENCO for training and resources.
What to keep in mind
The SEND Code of Practice applies in England. Other countries have their own legal frameworks even where schools use the SENCO title.
Common follow-up questions
Does a SENCO need to be a teacher?
In England, yes; the SENCO must be a qualified teacher.
Is a SENCO the same as a special educator?
The roles overlap; a SENCO coordinates provision across a school, while a special educator often teaches pupils directly.
Sources
- UK Department for Education: SEND code of practice 0 to 25 years
- EEF: Special educational needs in mainstream schools
Sources inform the explanation; examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.