Nursery World - Special Report – Focus on the evolving role of the SENCO

What does the role of today's SENCO involve in early years settings, and how are some providers delivering best practice in this area? Nicole Weinstein explains

The role of the early years SENCO is evolving. Today's special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinators, also referred to as SENDCOs, are now more likely to be part of senior leadership teams.

They are expected to understand a range of developmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, Down's syndrome, genetic conditions, language delay versus language disorder and speech sound delays. And, along with their colleagues, they are supporting more families with referrals for toilet training, weaning, behaviour and other development concerns previously dealt with by health visitors.

‘The role comes with a great deal of responsibility,’ explains Sophie Hutton, lead SENCO and owner of The Nest, a specialist SEN nursery in Bolton. ‘SENDCOs are often a lifeline for families in a time of long waiting lists and poor access to services – and without their hard work, and the dedication of their early years teams, so many families would be without access to support services and interventions.’

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