"SEND Is Not An Add-On But A Shared Responsibility." Interview With A SENCO

In this blog, you will learn:

• About the importance of understanding the individual needs of all children and young people.
• Why building strong relationships with pupils and families is central to effective SEND practice and can prevent challenges from escalating.
• How to find and apply for the best SENCO jobs.

Children and young people with SEND have complex, individual needs and it is essential that they receive the right support. This comes from advocating for young people and their families, as well as ensuring SEND practice is embedded at the heart of care and support.

In our latest industry interview, we spoke to Laura, a SENCO supporting pupils within an Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Support Service. With over 13 years’ experience across education and SEND, Laura has held roles including Early Years Lead, Deputy Headteacher and Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead.

Throughout this interview, we explore the importance of networking, ongoing training and building relationships with pupils and their families. You’ll also find out how this SENCO supports pupils with complex needs and prevents challenges from escalating despite funding and systemic challenges.

Tell us about your career journey so far and your current role 

I did an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Studies and then completed a PGCE in primary education. I started my role as an Early Year Teacher which I loved as this was my degree speciality originally. I became an Early Years Leader, a SENCO and then a Deputy Headteacher.

My current role is working as a SENCO supporting and co-ordinating pupils that are enrolled on an online alternative provision aimed at pupils with Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

I currently meet with parents to support them, liaise with schools and local authorities to discuss what the placement/provision needs to look like. I work with learning mentors who support the young people whilst they are accessing our provision.

My typical day is busy, in fact no two days are the same! I might spend the morning completing administrative tasks, meet with a parent and by the afternoon join a sensory circuit intervention.

What type of education and training did you receive to become a SENCO?

I completed my Teacher training and then the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) in 2020. I loved using what I had learnt by networking with others on the course. I think the most valuable training is networking with others you can learn from. Any training from reputable sources will also add to your knowledge and skills so any given opportunity to learn something new is great, but you need to put it into practice to really understand it.

 
How did you know you wanted to become a SENCO?

I became a SENCO because I am passionate about ensuring that every child feels understood, valued and able to succeed. I have always been drawn to supporting pupils with additional needs, particularly those whose behaviour is communicating something.

I was passionate about making the transition into school life a positive experience when working in Early Years and that included making sure needs were addressed early and efficiently. 

Becoming a SENCO felt like a natural step, as it allows me to work strategically while keeping relationships at the heart of everything I do.

What strategies do you use to support students with behavioural difficulties?

To support behavioural difficulties, I focus on building positive relationships founded on trust, respect and clear communication. By taking time to understand each pupil’s underlying needs and triggers, I can work proactively rather than reactively.

I ensure that pupils feel heard, respected and safe by using consistent expectations and restorative approaches to help them reflect and make positive choices.

By showing consistent respect, providing a calm and predictable environment and really listening to pupils’ voices, I can help them feel safe and understood. This often prevents escalation and encourages pupils to engage positively.

What SEND reforms do you hope to see in the future?

From my perspective as a SENCO, SEND reform is critical: it’s not just about tweaking the system, but about building a more equitable, consistent and well-resourced SEND framework that genuinely works for pupils and families.

I also support the move to strengthen the workforce with better training, leadership-level qualifications for SENCOs and more specialist capacity because we need the right people with the right skills to deliver high-quality support. 

I hope that statutory protections like Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are upheld in a way that safeguards the most vulnerable children.

How do you keep up-to-date with changes in the SEND industry?

There are lots of ways to keep up to date and you’re never going to know everything but some useful things I do are networking with others and following reputable organisations on platforms such as LinkedIn.

It’s also worth signing up to newsletters from your local authority SEND departments, attending conferences about education and reading articles about SEND provision to improve practice.

What do you find most fulfilling about being a SENCO?

The role of a SENCO is so important because it gives children and families someone who truly listens, understands and stands beside them. Many families feel overwhelmed or unheard when trying to access support. A SENCO can bridge that gap by advocating for their needs, explaining processes clearly and ensuring they are involved at every step.

Being that steady, knowledgeable point of trust can transform a family’s experience and ultimately change a child’s trajectory. The most rewarding feeling is when you can see the provision that is in place is working for a pupil who is now thriving.

What challenges do you believe councils and the SEND sector will face in the future?

I think all councils currently face and will continue to face funding challenges unless huge changes are made within the SEND system. There are aspects of SEND reform that I have briefly discussed that will hopefully, over time, address issues such as improving families' timely access to specialists before a pupil reaches crisis point.

I think one of the most challenging situations in SEND and coordinating provision is when you know what it is the pupil requires but there are barriers such as policy, funding, staffing and time constraints in the way.

I think being a SENCO is about being relentless in your vision and being prepared to advocate for that pupil and their family, especially when you know it is the right pathway for them.

What's the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I've learnt has been the importance of truly getting to know each pupil and their family and genuinely listening to their experiences and needs.

What’s your vision for the future of SEND services?

My vision for the future of SEND services is a system where every child receives timely, high-quality support regardless of where they live or what level of need they have. 

I want to see a move towards a genuinely inclusive culture in all schools, one where SEND is not an add-on, but a shared responsibility throughout the entire staff team.

I believe SEND services should be built on early identification, strong relationships and coordinated support. Families should feel listened to, empowered and can access help without having to fight for it.

A future SEND system must be transparent, consistent and rooted in partnership, with schools, local authorities, health professionals and families working together rather than in isolation.

What advice would you give to aspiring SEND professionals?

My advice to aspiring SEND professionals is to start by building strong, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues. SEND work relies on empathy, connection and listening, so take the time to understand each child as an individual.

Be curious, but be curious without judgement. Approach every situation by asking why a child might be behaving or learning in a particular way and remember that there is always a reason behind what you see. Keeping an open, non-judgemental mindset allows you to respond with compassion rather than assumption.

I would also encourage new professionals to embrace the fact that in the SEND sector, your ‘to-do list’ will never truly be done and that’s okay. Needs evolve, families come to you at different moments and every day brings new challenges and new opportunities. What matters is staying reflective, organised and willing to adapt.

Collaboration is also essential. Work closely with Teachers, support staff, external agencies and families; no SEND professional works in isolation and strong provision is always a shared effort.

SENCO jobs

If you’re searching for your next SENCO job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 

SENCO recruitment services 

As specialist local authority SEND recruiters, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs. We can supply SEND staff for service redesign, tackling annual review backlogs and SEND/EHC Case workers to amend plans or hold annual review meetings. 

If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?

Share your experience

Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the SEND sector.

If you work in the SEND sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions. 

Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards. In 2024, Spencer Clarke Group was also named Recruitment Agency of the Year.