How to become a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)

How to become a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator

If you’re passionate about supporting children with learning differences and want to make a lasting impact in schools, becoming a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator could be the perfect career path for you.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a SENCO, including the qualifications required, essential skills, and what the role involves.

What is a SENCO?

A Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is a qualified teacher who is responsible for overseeing the provision of support for pupils with Special Education Needs (SEN) within a school.

They play a key role in:

• Identifying pupils with SEN
• Coordinating support and interventions
• Liaising with parents, teachers, and external professionals
• Ensuring that the school meets its legal obligations under the SEND Code of Practice

In short, if you’re wondering “What is a SENCO?”, they are the bridge between children with additional needs and the support they require to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Why Become a SENCO?

Choosing to become a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator is both a challenging and highly rewarding career move. As a SENCO, you’ll be making a real difference in the lives of children who need it most. You’ll advocate for their needs, help develop inclusive teaching strategies, and ensure every child has access to the right support.

Explore SENCO opportunities available with Prospero Teaching.

Steps to Become a SENCO

1. Become a Qualified Teacher

Before you can become a SENCO, you must be a fully qualified teacher. This typically involves completing Initial Teacher Training (ITT) through a university-led course or a school-based route such as SCITT or Teach First.

2. Gain Teaching Experience

Most schools prefer SENCOs who have a few years of classroom teaching experience. This helps you develop a deep understanding of how children learn and how to adapt teaching to meet different needs.

3. Understand Special Education Needs (SEN)

To be effective in the role, you must have a strong grasp of the different types of Special Education Needs—including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

4. Complete the NPQ

If you’re appointed as a SENCO in a mainstream school, it’s a legal requirement in England that you complete the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs within three years of starting the role. This postgraduate qualification is designed to prepare you for the demands of the job and deepen your understanding of SEN provision.

5. Apply for SENCO Positions

Once qualified, you can apply for SENCO roles in primary, secondary, or special schools. Each school may have slightly different expectations, but the core responsibility will always be ensuring high-quality provision for pupils with Special Education Needs.

Key Skills for a SENCO

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational ability
• Empathy and patience
• Deep understanding of SEN legislation and inclusive practices
• Confidence in leading training and working with multidisciplinary teams

Career Progression as a SENCO

Many SENCOs go on to take leadership roles within schools, such as Inclusion Lead, Assistant Headteacher, or Director of SEN across school trusts. The SENCO role offers strong career development opportunities, especially for those interested in SEND strategy, policy, and training.

Becoming a SENCO is a fulfilling career that allows you to be a powerful advocate for children with Special Education Needs. If you’ve been asking, “What is a SENCO and how do I become one?”, we hope this guide has given you the clarity and motivation to take the next step.

Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher or an experienced educator looking to specialise, the path to becoming a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator is one that leads to meaningful impact and lifelong learning.