Role of the SENCo
Role of the SEN named person
The SEND Code of Practice states that post 16 providers "should ensure that there is a named person in the college with oversight of SEN provision to ensure co-ordination of support, similar to the role of the SEN Coordinator (SENCO) in schools."
This named person:
- has day-to-day responsibility for the operation of SEN policy and coordination of specific provision made to support young people with SEN, including those who have EHC plans.
- provides professional guidance to colleagues and will work closely with staff, parents and other agencies, advising on the graduated approach to providing SEN support.
- should be aware of the provision in the Local Offer
- advising on the deployment of budgets and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively
- liaising with parents/carers of the young people with SEN, if required - please see NASEN's guide
- liaising with other services, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and independent or voluntary bodies, where appropriate
- being a key point of contact with external agencies, especially the local authority and its support services
- liaising with potential next providers of education to ensure young people are informed about options and a smooth transition is planned
- working with the senior leadership team to ensure that the provider meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act (2010) with regard to reasonable adjustments and access arrangements
- ensuring that records of all young people with SEN are up to date
The provider should ensure that the named person has sufficient time and resources to carry out these functions. This should include providing sufficient administrative support and time away from teaching to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities in a similar way to other important strategic roles within the setting.