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Key facts and statistics
The need for SENDCOs in early years settings is underscored by compelling statistics:
- 1 in 6 children in the UK have special educational needs, and the early identification and support of these needs are crucial for their development.
- According to the Department for Education, over 50% of children with SEND who receive early intervention show significant improvement in their learning and social skills by the time they start primary school.
- The SEND Code of Practice (2015) mandates that all early years settings have a designated SENDCO to ensure that the specific needs of children with SEND are met.
Key definitions
To fully understand the role of a SENDCO, it's essential to clarify some key terms:
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) - A child has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational provision different from or additional to what is generally provided for children of the same age.
- Disability - As defined under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
- SENDCO - The SENDCO is responsible for coordinating the provision of special educational needs in early years settings, ensuring that children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive.
Legislative and regulatory framework
The role of SENDCOs is governed by a robust legislative and regulatory framework:
- The Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on early years providers to support children with SEN and disabilities, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as other children.
- The SEND Code of Practice (2015) outlines the legal obligations for early years providers regarding the identification, assessment, and provision for children with SEN. It mandates that all early years settings must have a SENDCO who is responsible for implementing the SEND policy.
- The Equality Act 2010 ensures that children with disabilities are not discriminated against in early years settings. It requires providers to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of these children.
Best practices for implementing sendco responsibilities
Implementing the role of SENDCO effectively requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and strategic planning. Here are some recommended best practices:
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- SENDCOs should engage in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and legislation in SEN. This could include attending workshops, enrolling in accredited courses, or participating in online training.
- Early years providers should facilitate access to CPD opportunities, ensuring that SENDCOs have the tools they need to support children with SEND effectively.
Collaborative approach
- SENDCOs should work closely with parents, carers, and other professionals, such as speech therapists, educational psychologists, and social workers. This collaborative approach ensures that children with SEND receive holistic and coordinated support.
- Regular meetings with parents and carers can provide valuable insights into the child’s needs and progress, helping to tailor the support provided.
Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Developing and regularly reviewing IEPs for children with SEND is a key responsibility of SENDCOs. These plans should outline specific learning goals, the support needed to achieve them, and the metrics for measuring progress.
- IEPs should be created in consultation with parents, carers, and relevant professionals to ensure they are comprehensive and aligned with the child’s needs.
Inclusive environment
- Early years settings should foster an inclusive environment where all children, regardless of their abilities, feel valued and included. This includes making reasonable adjustments to facilities, resources, and teaching methods to accommodate children with SEND.
- SENDCOs should lead by example, promoting inclusive practices across the setting and ensuring that all staff understand and implement these practices.
Recommendations
For early years providers looking to enhance their support for children with SEND, consider the following recommendations:
- Invest in training - Ensure that your SENDCO and all staff receive regular training on SEN and disability to provide high-quality care and education.
- Utilise technology - Tools like ComplyPlus™ can assist in managing the complexities of legislation and regulatory compliance, ensuring that your setting meets all statutory requirements.
- Engage with parents - Build strong partnerships with parents and carers, involving them in decision-making processes and keeping them informed of their child’s progress.
- Monitor and review - Regularly review your SEND policy and practices, making necessary adjustments to improve the support provided to children with SEND.
Click here for our wide range of CPD-accredited online courses for early years
Conclusion
The role of the SENDCO is crucial in ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to reach their full potential. By adhering to legislative requirements, engaging in continuous professional development, and fostering an inclusive environment, early years settings can make a significant difference in the lives of children with SEND.
To ensure your setting is fully compliant with SEND legislation and best practices, consider integrating ComplyPlus™ into your operations. Our comprehensive compliance management software and training solutions are designed to help childcare and early years providers navigate the complexities of SEND provision effectively. Visit www.mandatorytraining.co.uk for more information.
Click here to manage your SENDCO training, compliance, and support plans with ComplyPlus™
About the author
Anna Nova Galeon
Anna, our wordsmith extraordinaire, plays a pivotal role in quality assurance. She collaborates seamlessly with subject matter experts and marketers to meet stringent quality standards. Her linguistic precision and meticulous attention to detail elevate our content, ensuring prominence, clarity, and alignment with global quality benchmarks.
