The Power of a Personalised Approach in SEND: Insights From an EHCP Coordinator
07 May, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- The importance of finding the right educational setting for each child or young person.
- How collaborating with schools, families and professionals can help break down barriers and improve outcomes.
- How to find and apply for the best EHCP Coordinator jobs.
Working as an EHCP Coordinator can be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling role, especially helping children and young people with SEND access the right support and reach their full potential.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with a seasoned EHCP Coordinator about his career, the reality of working in SEND and the most rewarding aspects of his role.
In this interview, we explore how EHCP Coordinators meet the individual needs of children and young people with SEND and the importance of a personalised approach to ensure each child receives the right support, at the right time, in the right setting.
Tell us about your career journey so far and your current role
My career in SEN started in 2007. At my local college I completed an access to social work course and then did a social policy degree at university from 2002 to 2005. My degree gave me some insight into SEN and working practices in local authorities covering a wide range of areas. I started working as an Administrator in a local authority within the SEN team which helped me naturally progress and embark on a career as an SEN Case Officer.
Other than university I had no experience of working in SEN. It was truly an eye opener and I very much learnt on the job and in various roles such as representing at SEND tribunals.
What does your current role as an EHCP Coordinator entail?
My current role as an EHCP Coordinator involves many aspects, including overseeing and monitoring children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
I also oversee children and young people in Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) packages and those in receipt of home tuition who are unable to attend school due to a variety of special educational needs in all areas. This can be due to physical and sensory needs, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties and communication and interaction needs.
My caseload is approximately 170, and involves liaising with alternative providers, arranging and reviewing personal education budgets as well as attending, chairing and arranging annual reviews. I am also responsible for processing statutory reviews, updating and amending EHCPs and attending panels and mediations.
I work closely with families, young people and other professionals within social care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and other services, including Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.
How has SEND provision changed over the past 12 months and where do you see it heading?
There has been more improvement with alternative provision and an increase in providers. There is growing recognition that there is a lack of funding and that schools must be more inclusive and take a stronger lead in supporting SEND families.
The most notable change was in the 2014 reforms when Statements of SEN were transferred to EHCPs. I keep up to date with proposals and reforms simply by watching the news and listening to updates from colleagues in the industry.
For the Department of Education to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, it's essential that special schools cater to children with the most complex needs and also to restore parents’ trust that their child will get the right support.
The 2025 Labour government has introduced several educational and SEND reforms. Do you think Labour will have an impact on the challenges local authorities face?
Aside from the obvious financial pressures on local and central government, the ongoing challenge in my experience has always been the lack of school spaces for young people with SEND.
I have often heard the system being described as broken and in need of a complete overhaul, but there is no easy fix. The pressure on local authorities is significant not just financially but the pressure of caseloads for Case Officers. I have had caseloads as high as 700-800 at times which is just not manageable.
My hope would be that the new Labour government will have a positive impact but only time will tell. Money is not the only issue - there needs to be an overhaul and better collaboration across all sectors.
What do you find most fulfilling about your role?
Without doubt the most rewarding part of the job is seeing young people making progress and enjoying what can be offered not just through a formal education setting, but through alternative provision.
It sounds like a cliché but there is a lot of fulfillment helping others and giving those with additional needs, whatever they may be, the same opportunities as everyone else. It’s important they are not seen as different, but to see the development of these children and young people.
Over the years, I have worked with many people in this role and everyone has been in the job for the same reason - to help and guide young people to meet their goals and aspirations. Preparing children and young people for adulthood is key to the work I do all the way from birth to the age of 25.
Can you share a moment in your career that felt particularly rewarding?
I once worked with a child who had been out of school for 2 years and not in receipt of any real form of education. Through diligence and hard work, they managed to secure a place in a specialist setting which has since seen a marked improvement in that child's progress and most importantly their emotional wellbeing.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your SEND career and how did you overcome them?
Some of the biggest challenges are getting children into the most appropriate settings, whether it be a mainstream school, specialist setting, additionally resourced provisions or other alternative provision to meet their needs.
Every child is different, with varying needs. They all require a bespoke approach or adaptations to the ‘norm’ of education which can be achieved by working closely with schools, parents and other professionals in the social care, healthcare and education sector. This is mostly successful if you use a pragmatic and personalised approach and try where possible to break down the barriers of bureaucracy. There needs to be more collaboration with health and social care colleagues.
Managing caseloads is a massive factor in this role. Higher caseloads leaves you unable to provide the support and guidance that is needed for each child and young person. The challenge is always to provide the very best you can to each family.
How might SEND provision change under Labour’s government and what reforms do you foresee?
I think SEND provision may change because schools are having to adopt a more inclusive approach to supporting SEND. In terms of reforms I foresee more school spaces being provided, less onus on local authorities to provide support and schools to take more of a lead.
I would like to see an overhaul of the current SEND Code of Practice to make it more user friendly, and a better local and national offer – meaning more opportunities especially around things like apprenticeships and Post-16 opportunities.
What's the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?
Never to assume and to always be understanding. Every child, young person and family you work with are individual people and require varying approaches and levels of support and guidance. This is true not only through the statutory process but for providing emotional support.
It is almost like SEN Case Officers ‘fit all’ and are there to provide advice and guidance on many areas outside of education.
What’s your vision for the future of SEND services and what changes would you like to see in 2025?
I hope there will be more inclusivity from mainstream schools, more spaces created and places in special schools given to those with the most complex needs. More funding of course will help and maybe to recruit and train more SEND staff.
Really, I would like to see less bureaucracy and a simpler system. I often hear the quote, “Better outcomes can be reached with more transparency for families and less of a blame culture,” and I wholeheartedly agree that the same can be applied to the future of the SEND sector.
What advice would you give to aspiring SEND professionals?
Be realistic about what you can do, have a personal approach and join the sector! It is very rewarding and gives real job satisfaction. SEND is a unique area and with a genuine interest in helping others you will be successful.
What were your experiences of working with Spencer Clarke Group?
I always have nothing but good experiences working with Spencer Clarke Group. They are friendly, responsive, supportive and approachable. The benefits are the flexibility of working and the salary.
SCG educational psychology report
As specialists in SEND recruitment, we work alongside hundreds of Educational Psychologists throughout the UK and are mindful of the challenges they face in their ever evolving role.
After commissioning our own research from Educational Psychologists in both local authorities and private practice, we published the SCG Educational Psychology Workforce Insights Report 2024.
The report delves into trends within educational psychology, funding and resources, industry challenges, policies and legislation and the future of educational psychology.
Read the SCG Educational Psychology Workforce Insights Report 2024 here.
EHCP Coordinator jobs
If you’re searching for your next EHCP Coordinator job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Struggling to recruit EHCP Coordinators?
As specialist local authority SEND recruiters, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs.
If you’re struggling to recruit, we have exclusive access to some of the most experienced EHCP Coordinators in the UK.
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 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
