Who oversees SEN support in schools and settings?

Every school and early years setting has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). This will be a member of specialist staff. They oversee SEND support and are usually responsible for: 

  • identifying students with SEND
  • making sure the SEND policy is being followed
  • working with parents, staff, professionals and Newcastle City Council to plan and deliver support
  • keeping information about students with SEND up to date
  • making sure the early years setting or school is meeting their responsibilities

You can find out who the SENCO is by reaching out to your early years setting or school. You should contact them if you think SEN support might be needed.

A smiling child in a modified chair holding the arm of a smiling woman.

Who else is responsible for supporting SEND?

Everyone in your school or setting works together to give high-quality SEN support. This includes:

Teachers and early years educators:

  • identifying the needs of a student with SEND
  • responding to students' needs by making reasonable adjustments
  • working with the SENCO and parents/carers to create an SEN support plan
  • making sure support in an SEN support plan is given
  • planning any support and interventions 
  • delivering planned interventions and support

Setting leaders - Head teachers, governors and managers

  • reviewing the SEND policy
  • checking that the needs of students with SEND are being met
  • holding the school and settings accountable for SEN support
  • helping address any concerns around SEN support
What does SEN support look like?
Information from https://childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk/
Printed on October 4th 2026
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