Tips for SENCO Training: How to Succeed as a SENCO

8 Apr 23

Tips for SENCO Training: How to Succeed as a SENCO

8 Apr 23

Tips for SENCO Training: How to Succeed as a SENCO

Are you a SENCO looking to enhance your skills and confidence? You’ve come to the right place! Our expert team has put together a comprehensive guide to help you become a more effective SENCO. We’ll cover everything from practical tips for managing your workload to techniques for building positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. So let’s dive in!

In this blog post, we will explore some of the key resources available to SENCOs and provide examples of how they can be used to support students with special educational needs.

The Role of a SENCO

As a SENCO, you play a critical role in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You’re responsible for coordinating and delivering support services, communicating with parents and teachers, and ensuring that students with SEND have access to the resources they need to succeed. But being a SENCO can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you build your confidence and enhance your skills.

Practical Tips for Managing Your Workload

As a SENCO, you wear many hats. You’re a teacher, an administrator, and a support worker all rolled into one. So how do you manage your workload effectively? Here are some tips to help you stay organised and on top of things:

  • Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of important deadlines and meetings.
  • Prioritise your tasks and focus on the most important ones first.
  • Delegate tasks to other members of staff where possible.
  • Make time for self-care and relaxation to avoid burnout.

3. Professional Development Resources

As a SENCO, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field of special educational needs. There are a range of professional development resources available that can help you to do this, including:

  • Training Courses: These can be face-to-face or online and can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to support students with special educational needs.
  • Webinars and Conferences: These can provide you with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of special educational needs and to connect with other SENCOs. Including SENsible SENCOs own national SENCO Conference.
  • Research Papers and Journals: These can provide you with the latest research and best practices in the field of special educational needs.

Conclusion

Being a SENCO can be a challenging but rewarding role. To support you in this important work, there are a range of tools and resources available that can help you to identify, assess, and support students with special educational needs. By utilising these resources effectively, you can help to create a more inclusive and accessible educational environment for all students.

Abigail Hawkins FCCT

Abigail Hawkins FCCT

Director of SENDCO Solutions

Abigail Hawkins was a SENCO for over 25 years and has worked with pupils with all types of needs.  Abigail has worked with Ed-Tech companies on developing their software and also been chair of governors for a multi-academy trust. Abigail now runs SENsible SENCO and SENDCO Solutions, with the aim of working with SENCOs and inclusion leaders across the UK to improve their support for SEND pupils. See our school services for more information.

Need Extra Support as a New SENCO? 🌟

Starting out as a SENCO can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Mentoring Programme, led by Abigail—an experienced SENCO of over 25 years—offers supportive, 30-minute online sessions designed to answer your questions, discuss challenges, and share insights tailored to your journey.

Get started with a free, no-obligation session to see how we can support you as you build confidence and skills. Book your first session below and step into your SENCO role with expert guidance at your side. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!