Explain
SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator)
A SENCO is the member of staff who co-ordinates help for pupils with special educational needs in a school. Mainstream schools, including academies, and maintained nursery schools must have one. The SENCO must normally be a qualified teacher. In the Code of Practice, a SENCO's role may also include advising on SEN support and working with parents and the council. Decisions about EHC needs assessments and plans are made by the council, not the SENCO.
- Type of rule
- Law (Act or Regulations)
- Rule id
senco- Rules version
- england-2026.10
- Law as at
- 30 September 2026
Sources
- Children and Families Act 2014, s 67Law (Act or Regulations)
- SEND Regulations 2014, reg 49Law (Act or Regulations)
- SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 6.84Code of Practice: must (restates the law)
- SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 6.90Official guidance
- Children and Families Act 2014, s 36(3)Law (Act or Regulations)
- Children and Families Act 2014, s 37(1)Law (Act or Regulations)
Related
If you think this rule is wrong or out of date, please tell us. A person reads every report.