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Education and Inspections Bill

The special educational needs co-ordinator in schools—SENCO—plays a central role in good SEN provision. That was recognised by the Education and Skills Committee report on SEN, which called for SENCOs to be qualified teachers and part of the school’s senior management. The Committee also emphasised the importance of training for SENCOs. The amendments were added in the other place to give effect to the Committee’s recommendations. The amendments say only that a ““member of the staff”” should be designated for that role, but when consulting on the regulations we will make it clear that a teacher should take the lead role. The regulations will expressly require that. The teacher will not, of course, personally have to carry out every function of the role, but will have lead responsibility for ensuring that it is carried out effectively and efficiently. We want more consistent standards for SENCOs, supported by nationally accredited training. The Training and Development Agency for Schools is developing a revised statement of the knowledge, skills and experience required, as well as associated standards, which are necessary first steps towards developing a nationally accredited system of training for SENCOs. We will consult widely, including serving SENCOs, to ensure that the emerging arrangements command widespread agreements. Regulations will spell out the key responsibilities of the SENCO, the qualifications and/or experience necessary, as informed by the work of the TDA, and will require appointees to undergo nationally accredited training. I commend the Lords amendments to the House.