Mainstream schools must have a SENCO
You must make sure that your school has a qualified teacher who’s designated as SENCO if you're:
- A maintained school
- An academy
- A free school
- An alternative provision (AP) academy
- A pupil referral unit (PRU)
- A maintained nursery (other early years providers are also expected to have one)
These requirements are outlined on pages 89-92 and 108 of the special educational needs and disability (SEND) code of practice.
Other school types are also encouraged to have a SENCO
Your school is not required to have a SENCO if you're:
- An independent school
- A special school
- A 16 to 19 academy
Nevertheless, it's still recommended that your school has a qualified teacher responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating SEN provision.
Who can be a SENCO?
Your school’s SENCO must be:
If a newly appointed SENCO hasn't been a SENCO