Special Educational Needs Coordinators Research Articles

At-risk or a risk? SENCOs’ conceptualisations of vulnerability and risk in relation to school exclusion

ABSTRACT In this paper we explore how Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) conceptualise vulnerability and risk, and how these conceptualisations inform their responses to students at risk of exclusion from school. The literature typically makes a distinction between within-child and systemic or structural factors. We draw on interview data from SENCOs working in 11 secondary schools in England, and an activity theory approach to unpick the contradictions and tensions in their conceptualisations and responses. Overall, we identify a mismatch between SENCOs’ conceptualisations of risk and vulnerability intersecting at multiple levels, and interventions that are primarily located at an individual level. National policy, with its shift away from a contextual understanding of difficulties and difference towards a requirement for clinical diagnosis to access additional funding plays a key role in mediating or shaping SENCO responses, including the tools that schools use to identify at-risk students. The conceptualisations indicate a source of differential impact with some students shifting from being seen as ‘at-risk’ and requiring support, to being ‘a risk’ and better educated elsewhere. In the face of these conceptualisations, we argue for the place of a social relational understanding, emphasising the dialogic spaces in which behaviour is framed, and interventions planned.

‘Small successes make it worthwhile’: The rewards and challenges of the SENCo role in a primary school in England

AbstractPrevious research by the authors of this piece hinted at the heavy workload of Special Educational Needs Co‐ordinators (SENCos) within settings in England, and their ever‐mounting challenges in the context of reduced local government services and cuts in funding to schools for their children with Special Educational Needs. As a result of these findings, the aim of this research was to focus exclusively on the lived professional experience of the SENCo in primary schools in England. Through anonymous survey, we asked SENCos to share with us their perception of their role and the responsibilities that it included. Although our sample of 20 was relatively small, it provided rich data about the preparedness and the perceived competence and confidence of those in this role. Workload, and the erosion that excessive demands caused to the well‐being of SENCos dealing with complex systems, was prominent in the data we collected, in line with most recent investigations of the educationalist's experience in England. However, our data also raised questions about the status, or lack of, of the SENCo in settings, the way in which the nationally recognised qualification associated with the role is delivered and sources of support available to those in the role.

‘No one knows where we fit in really’: the role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in primary school settings in Ireland – the case for a distributed model of leadership to support inclusion

ABSTRACT This article examines the role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in primary schools in Ireland, an area that is under researched with little or no empirical data available. The current qualitative study, congruent with an interpretivist paradigm, provides narratives from four SENCOs offering insight into both the operational and leadership role of the SENCO in Irish primary schools, focusing mainly on the latter as a distributed model approach. The findings indicate that this sample of SENCOs may be constructed as ‘apparatuses of knowledge’ (Foucault 1980) within five broad areas of responsibilities: (1) identifying children with additional needs and administrating assessments, (2) fostering in-school collaboration and supporting others, (3) determining and monitoring resource allocation, (4) providing staff development and (5) liaising with external agencies. Emerging from the findings is a reinforcement of the value of the SENCO as a leader through a distribution of power situating them as forward thinking and proactive. Despite this, there is a reluctance in assuming the position of a SENCO due to the heavy workloads and lack of recognition of the administration and coordination duties. This research calls for a consideration of the SENCO position in national policy with both monetary and leadership titled recognition for the role.

COORDINATOR OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AS A CHALLENGE FOR UKRAINIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

Education of children with special educational needs (SEN) in Ukraine continues to find the ways of its realization under the conditions of the deficit of different supportive factors, among them – provision of the specialists. There is no position in Ukrainian schools, which would deal with the issues of inclusive education on the competent basis. At the same time there are several similar positions in the US schools (special education teacher, case-manager) as well as there is a position, which is directly related to coordination activities – Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). We believe that existence of the position of coordinator in the support team is one of the main conditions of coordinated work of the support team, which would provide continuity in the process of education, upbringing and socialization of the person with special educational needs. The article provides generalization of the main directions of activities of such a coordinator according to the professional profile and offers the assumption regarding the possible coordination role, which could be conducted by one of the members of the support team in Ukrainian schools. The article provides analysis of the existing legal and scientific-methodological materials, focused on the issue of the support team as well as the issue of coordinator of such a support. The lack of Ukrainian educators` awareness on the content of the team interactions and the role of the coordinator is defined, which became a condition to formulate a need to withdraw from the formalism and to look for the real coordinator, who would deal not only with the issues of learning of persons with special educational needs, but will be capable of introducing the culture of inclusive educational environment development, which would be barriers-free, supportive and developmental for all participants of educational process. In this process professional profile of Special Educational Needs Coordinator became the main guide regarding the defining process of the content of activities of this coordinator. According to this profile the specialist has to influence the school policy towards inclusive education, to assess the needs of children with SEN, to monitor their development, to train teachers and to coordinate their activities, and to support families of children with SEN. We analyzed how some of these coordinator`s functions can be realized in Ukraine, and we emphasized that these functions can be brought to life by other team members in the process of providing support to children with SEN. However, we hope that the special teacher – the new profession, which was introduced into Ukrainian classificatory of professions recently, would be the best option for this role.

Early Years Staff Experiences in a “Culture of Learning” Regarding Inclusion in a Nursery Class in a British School: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Less than 20% of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) staff members working in British early childhood centres agree that the inclusion of all children is an essential part of their working agenda, as they feel unqualified to take care of children with complex SEN or disabilities. This study makes a novel contribution by drawing on data compiled from a one-year ethnographic study which addressed the in-service learning experiences of seven teaching staff members that work inclusively. The participants included 2 classroom teachers, 1 SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), and 4 teaching assistants from a preschool class that teaches 92 children between the ages of 3 and 4, located in a primary school in England. We explore what professional learning means for the participants’ role, which professional learning opportunities are meaningful to them, and under which circumstances had been offered. This study not only does consider their opportunities for professional development on the job but also outside of work. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, artifact analysis, and ongoing participant observation over one academic year. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The results demonstrate that this case study offers a unique perspective of a microsystem that could be at risk due to a lack of awareness by leaders and administration. The study is divided into four themes that directly impact inclusive professional service-development practices: (1) challenges posed to continuous professional development by differing professional roles, (2) motives for in-service training: combining career, school, and authorities’ interests, (3) promotion of meaningful professional development experiences by school, and (4) self-determined classroom motivated by respect and recognition.

‘Getting into the Nucleus of the School’: Experiences of Collaboration between Special Educational Needs Coordinators, Senior Leadership Teams and Educational Psychologists in Irish Post-Primary Schools

This research study explored barriers and facilitators to collaboration between National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs), and Senior Leadership Teams (SLT) in Irish post-primary schools (students aged between 12 and 18 years). NEPS’ role in facilitating collaboration is uncertain, exacerbated by the absence of policy outlining the SENCO role and tensions between special and inclusive education. It is unclear what the experiences of collaboration between NEPS psychologists and post-primary schools might be within this nebulous policy context. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used, framed by Dynamic Systems Theory. Participants were NEPS psychologists, SENCOs, and SLT. Phase 1 involved an online survey (n = 278), which identified barriers and facilitators to collaboration and informed Phase 2. This paper presents Phase 2, comprising semi-structured interviews (n = 9). Interviews were analysed using multi-perspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis, facilitating experiential exploration of collaboration between NEPS, SLT, and SENCOs. Participants described the experience of transitioning from working in silos to collaborative hubs. Systemic and interpersonal factors facilitated deliberate construction of evolving, dynamic, collaborative spaces between post-primary schools and NEPS. Policy gaps arise regarding consultation, collaboration, special education, and inclusion. This research begins to clarify the varied ways in which practice occurs in these gaps and indicates ways in which NEPS psychologists can collaborate with SENCOs and SLT to create active, effective hubs of knowledge to support students.

Agency for Inclusion: A Case Study of Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos)

ABSTRACT International recognition of Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) as agents of change for students with special educational needs calls for a deeper understanding of SENCo agency. However, literature on teacher agency for inclusion has paid little attention to SENCos. Taking a sociocultural view of agency, this qualitative case study collected rich data from five primary school SENCos in New Zealand via semi-structured individual interviews, work-shadowing and relevant documents. The findings showed that the SENCos exercised agency for inclusion through advocacy for students with SEN, commitment to the SENCo role, professional competence, self-efficacy, participation in decision-making, and collaboration with a wide range of people. The findings point to the need to conceptualise SENCo agency as a temporal, ecological process that involves engagement with culture, structure and resources in specific contexts.

‘You have to stay in with the teacher and it’s a bit awkward’: Children’s views and experiences of the withdrawal of playtime as a sanction in a UK school

Aim(s):The purpose of this study was to explore children’s views and experiences of having playtime withdrawn as a sanction, with a view to increasing knowledge and understanding in this under-researched area.Method/Rationale:This study adopted an exploratory case study design, whereby 12 participants in a single school were interviewed virtually. These participants were aged 5–11 (Years 1–6) and were interviewed in year group pairs. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings:Participants discussed direct and indirect experiences of having their playtime withdrawn, and also discussed reasons for why playtime might be withdrawn, including: misbehaviour, whole-class misbehaviour and not completing work. Participants reported that the withdrawal of playtime was a fair sanction, although there were disagreements about the conditions for when this sanction should be imposed. Furthermore, participants spoke about valuing their playtime and gave examples of potential alternatives to the withdrawal of playtime.Limitations:Conducting interviews virtually meant that the researcher was unable to develop a rapport with the participants, and that the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) was present with them during virtual interviews for safeguarding purposes. These factors may have impacted on what participants chose to share regarding their views and experiences.Conclusions:The withdrawal of playtime is a sanction still used in schools, and the children within this study understood the purpose of this sanction. However, it is possible that withdrawing play is counterproductive in terms of addressing the behaviours that result in it being imposed. Implications for professionals in schools, as well as further avenues for research, are discussed.

Twice exceptionality in neoliberal education cultures: Implications for special educational needs co‐ordinators

‘Twice exceptionality’ describes the coexistence of a learning difficulty or disability (SEN/D) and exceptional performance in one area of learning. A popular discourse around autism and savantism in the United States promotes a hierarchical differentiation of the ‘twice exceptional’ based on measured intelligence and commodifies support for this group. Such support is designed to appeal to a neoliberal ethos of seeking competitive advantage in a marketised system. Alternatively, special educational needs co‐ordinators (SENCOs) could raise awareness and promote a non‐hierarchical understanding of ‘twice exceptionality’ in schools, thereby highlighting what is missed when allegedly science‐based discourses become hegemonic within education and when governmentally mandated accountability practices are prioritised over professional judgement and the interests of individual students. Calls for ‘twice exceptionality’ to be recognised as a SEN/D category risk additional pressures on SENCOs at a time when governmental demands on SENCOs throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic have served to heighten existing tensions associated with the neoliberalisation of education (commercialisation, commodification, decentralisation, and residualisation). Nevertheless, SENCOs could play a key role in addressing longer‐term processes affecting children with dis/abilities and learning difficulties such as stigmatisation and, in this instance, discriminatory configurations of ‘giftedness’.

“It was tough making sure it happened”: SENCo experience of the reality and risk of education and health care plan implementation

ABSTRACT In England, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice (2015) was heralded as a significant reformation of provision for children and young people with additional and complex learning needs. Effective implementation of the Code requires the key implementers, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos), to develop and negotiate provision in their settings, to interface with colleagues, families and expert professionals, and to apply for and implement Education and Health Care (EHC) plans for the children and young people with the most complex needs. However, whilst this added to SENCo workload and responsibilities, systemic, resource and dominant discourse challenges remained the same. EHC plans have been described as a microcosm of the wider arena of policy and practice. Studies exploring SENCo perceptions of the enablers and challenges, which has import for commissioners and practitioners, are limited. This article presents part of a mixed-methods study which examined SENCo perceptions of the salient external and internal influences on EHC plan implementation. Integration of the analysed data sets uncovered themes related to purpose, support, communities of learning, and relationships. Key recommendations, whose enactment would support and develop SENCos, so they in turn can best promote the learning, development, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people with SEND, and their families, are made. This article closes by proposing that the need for a professional information hub and support mechanisms for SENCos has never been greater.

The experience of SENCOs in England during the COVID‐19 pandemic: the amplification and exposure of pre‐existing strengths and challenges and the prioritisation of mental health and wellbeing in schools

A national survey of Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) in England was conducted during the summer of 2020 in the midst of the global COVID‐19 pandemic. The annually conducted survey typically collates demographic data about the SENCO workforce, but given the wider context, this particular survey also included nine questions about SENCOs' experiences during the pandemic. More than 1000 SENCOs participated in the survey and the findings demonstrate the critical contribution of SENCOs in supporting pupils with SEND and maintaining effective communication with their families during the pandemic. The study provides evidence of an amplification effect in relation to the strengths and challenges that SENCOs had been experiencing prior to the pandemic. The study also demonstrates the importance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing in schools for both pupils and staff in the wake of the pandemic, with this being the key priority identified by SENCOs across all types of setting and all phases of education.

Yrkesgruppers anspråk på arbetet med barn i behov av särskilt stöd

This study aims to illuminate preschool teachers describe which occupational groups – preschool teachers and special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) – claim jurisdiction (i.e. the area that the professional group controls) over the work with children in need of special support. The data consist of interviews with 15 preschool teachers. The analysis is based on Abbott's (1988) division of professional work into three aspects: a) formulation of a problem b) reasoning about the problem and c) treating the problem. One area where preschool teachers claim jurisdictional control is related to the formulation of the problem. When it comes to the aspect of the professional work which concerns reasoning about the problem, the preschool teachers report that SENCOs claim jurisdictional control instead. The results show a less straightforward image of the treatment of the problem. Preschool teachers sometimes report themselves to claim jurisdictional control over treatment and other times report that SENCOs have jurisdiction over the treatment of the problem. In the discussion, jurisdiction is related to the various aspects of professional work with children in need of special support and the issue of inclusion. The fact that SENCOs seem to have a strong jurisdiction over treatment and expert knowledge of children’s perceived shortcomings could contribute to the preschool teachers renouncing responsibility for children in need of special support. Another conclusion is that preschool teachers need to be strengthened in their professional roles and that increased special educational knowledge could contribute to preschool teachers feeling more secure in their professional roles and thus are able to meet all children’s needs in preschool.

Implementing the 2014 SEND reforms in England: perspectives from SENCOs

This article is based on research conducted within two years of the 2014 SEND (special educational needs and disability) reforms being in force and reports on the experiences of five SENCOs (special educational needs coordinators) on implementing the reforms in London schools. The research was conducted primarily to inform professional practice and improve delivery of the principles underpinning the reforms. The research deployed an adapted version of SWOT analysis as a tool for seeking the views of SENCOs on the perceived benefits and challenges of the SEND reforms. The findings demonstrate that SENCOs broadly support the principles of the reforms. However, SENCOs find some of the procedures in the 2015 SEND Code of Practice as proving problematic. There still remains a significant focus on managing administrative processes, rather than bringing about a fundamental change to school culture and educational provision. The article concludes by making several recommendations on ways to reduce bureaucracy for SENCOs and increase their focus on classroom practice.

Constructing Special Educational Needs Coordinators’ identities through emotions

ABSTRACT A growing number of countries have implemented the role of Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) as a strategy for providing quality inclusive education. While studies have examined general education teachers and/or special education teachers’ identities in inclusive educational settings, little research has investigated SENCos’ identities. Even fewer studies have examined SENCo identity through the lens of emotion. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of how emotions contribute to SENCo identity construction. Adopting a qualitative multiple case study approach, data were collected from five primary school SENCos in Auckland, New Zealand, via semi-structured interviews, work shadowing and school documents. The findings showed that SENCos, despite dealing with a range of emotions from passion to frustration, all saw themselves as being advocates, problem solvers, learners, collaborators and fighters for children with special educational needs. Drawing on the findings, it is argued that emotions form an indispensable part of SENCo identity and also act as a vital means through which SENCo identity is constructed and enacted. Implications for policy and practice are suggested to inform the recruitment of SENCos and provide SENCos emotional support.

Navigating personal and contextual factors of SENCo teacher identity

ABSTRACT In an increasing number of countries, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) plays a key role in implementing inclusive provision for students with special educational needs. Existing literature on SENCos mainly focuses on the nature and enactment of the role, with few investigating SENCo identities. Hence, the study presented in this article aimed to navigate how personal and contextual factors influence SENCo identity. Utilising a qualitative interpretive case study approach, multiple sources of data were gathered from five primary school SENCos in Auckland, New Zealand, through semi-structured interviews, work shadowing and school documents. The findings revealed how SENCo identity was shaped by personal factors, including motivation/commitment and expertise/experience; and contextual factors such as the organisation of the SENCo role, support from senior leaders and other stakeholders, and national policies regarding the SENCo role. Drawing on the findings, we argue that formal recognition and targeted funding of the SENCo role by the government are vital for constructing and maintaining a strong SENCo identity. At the same time, it is important to sustain individual school autonomy and flexibility regarding the structural organisation of the SENCo role.

‘It's the best job in the world, but one of the hardest, loneliest, most misunderstood roles in a school.’ Understanding the complexity of the SENCO role post‐SEND reform

AbstractIn schools, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) could be considered a key policy implementer of special educational needs and inclusive policy. Issues related to time, status and the effective facilitation of the SENCO role have been reported on extensively, yet literature has predominantly focused on the role prior to the introduction of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) reforms in 2014.This paper reports on research which explored the SENCO role post‐reform. The research aimed to understand how widely the role varied across differing educational settings and phases, whilst also exploring the breadth and depth of the role, post‐SEND reform. The research design was mixed methods and had two phases: online focus groups (n = 15), followed by a national online survey (n = 1903).The findings suggest that the facilitation of the SENCO role remains problematic post‐reform. Constraints include the time to undertake responsibilities, the increasing breadth of the role and how the role is understood by others. This combined with increased external bureaucracy, budgetary constraints and a lack of consistency nationally has led to a situation where only approximately one‐third of SENCOs intend to remain in the role in five years’ time.

Evaluating interprofessional education: initial learning from a domestic abuse conference.

The importance of multi-agency working to identify, prevent and reduce domestic abuse is widely recognised. Interprofessional learning opportunities can provide a supportive learning environment for multi-agency practitioners to explore and develop collaborative approaches to improve health outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and their families.Participants drawn from Kent GP trainees, student Health Visitors, School Nurses, Midwives, Social Workers, student Teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), and postgraduate Police Officers attended this sixth annual conference. To enable participants to understand why domestic abuse is a serious public health issue; identify indicators of domestic violence and abuse; identify opportunities for safe enquiry and know how to respond; critically reflect on ethical, legal, professional and interprofessional challenges for practitioners; and reflect on and explore opportunities for inter-professional working. Multi-disciplinary educators delivered formal presentations and facilitated interprofessional workshops.Data from anonymised pre- and post- conference questionnaires distributed on the day, included quantitative questions using a Likert scale 1-5 and open and closed qualitative questions. In total, 75 out of a possible 121 participants completed both questionnaires (62%). The above aims were all met. In all questions participants gave higher scores after the conference indicating increased levels of knowledge and confidence. The qualitative comments highlighted the learning benefits from interprofessional group work. 100% (average score 4.5) agreed that facilitators fostered a supportive learning environment. The conference provided a highly valued opportunity for useful interprofessional learning about domestic abuse. Results indicated that it increased participants' knowledge and confidence about their own and others' roles and responsibilities.

Factors influencing the career interest of SENCOs in English schools

A named professional with responsibility for overseeing and coordinating the educational inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has become an important school role in many countries. In England, the SENCO (special educational needs coordinator) became a mandatory role in 1994, and associated mandatory training was introduced in 2009. A questionnaire survey of 618 in‐training and actual SENCOs revealed that their motivating interest in becoming a SENCO varied. An exploratory factor analysis of 32 items covering different interests in the role yielded four interest factors in becoming a SENCO: outward‐facing factors (‘inclusion’ and ‘high‐quality provision’) and inward‐facing factors (‘educational and professional development’ and ‘leadership voice and status’). The outward‐facing factors were viewed as more important to respondents than the inward‐facing factors. Interest factors did not interact with organisational variables, including age group taught and school quality. Nevertheless, younger SENCOs and those engaged in training were more motivated by educational and professional development. SENCOs holding school leadership contracts were more motivated in developing leadership voice and status compared with their classroom teacher peers. Moreover, there was a significant overall difference with women reporting a higher interest than men across all factors.

Leadership for inclusive special education: a qualitative exploration of SENCOs’ and principals’ Experiences in secondary schools in Ireland

ABSTRACTThis paper explores factors influencing leadership for inclusive and special education in secondary schools (for students aged between 12–18 years) in Ireland. Specifically, it spotlights the role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), the teacher often tasked with leading provision. A qualitative study involving interviews with principals and SENCOs in six schools was undertaken. The complexity of the SENCO role is revealed in findings which capture inherent tensions associated with attempts to formalise it in a system promoting a universal response to inclusive education, while also providing special education. Hornby's model of Inclusive Special Education (2015) is used to interrogate findings and provide a framework for further conceptualisation of the role in a system where inclusive and special education co-exist. Notwithstanding tensions, this study argues strongly for formal recognition of the SENCO role and advocates the development of SENCOs’ leadership capacity within an integrated system promoting a collective approach to inclusive special education. It presents a conceptual model of the SENCO role which serves as a framework for further debate, refinement and discussion about the SENCO role.

Working from a distance? A study of Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Swedish preschools

The purpose of this study is to increase our knowledge of the tasks, perceptions and role of special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) in preschools. The study is part of a total population study where all SENCOs in Sweden (n = 4252) who were examined by the examination acts of the years 2001, 2007, and 2008 were sent a questionnaire. In a later phase of the procedure, responses from SENCOs who work in preschools were extracted from the 3190 responses received and reported earlier. Thus, this study consists of 523 participants. The results show that coordinators’ working hours are primarily spent on consultation. SENCOs report that they are able to influence their colleagues’ views on children’s difficulties to a high degree. Regarding SENCOs’ perceptions of why children have difficulties in preschools, a large number of SENCOs indicate that this is because preschool is poorly prepared to handle children’s differences. The outcome is discussed using theories of professions and jurisdictional control.