Opinion

SENCOs’ vital role

Viewpoint
Nasen research reveals challenges around recognition and funding
Dr Helen Curran
Dr Helen Curran

The recent report by nasen, Identifying SEN in the early years: The role of the SENCO, built on the previously published National SENCO Workload Surveys (2018 and 2019). The research aimed to explore this key phase, emphasising the vital importance of early identification, as well as seeking to provide a voice for the sector.

The findings highlighted that family partnership is essential. SENCOs were emphatic that a key role of the early years practitioner is to develop secure and trusting relationships with families, noting that this was particularly important if potential SEN was being considered. SENCOs acknowledged their setting may be the parent or carer’s first experience of education for their child and therefore conversations about a child’s progress must be handled sensitively.

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