Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department plans to take to improve retention of SENCos.

Special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) play a critical role in schools and will continue to do so under the proposed reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. As set out in the SEND reform: putting children and young people first consultation, SEND is the responsibility of all staff. The consultation has now closed, and we are carefully reviewing and taking into account all responses alongside feedback from over 200 engagement events we held over 12 weeks.

The department is considering how best to support SENCOs to carry out their role effectively, reduce existing burdens and improve retention. This includes exploring opportunities to streamline processes through digital improvements, set clearer expectations and share responsibility for SEND across the workforce. We want to ensure highly trained SENCO expertise is used effectively and anticipate that SENCOs will play a key role in the strategic leadership of SEND and inclusion, working alongside leaders and staff to improve outcomes for all pupils with SEND.

The final shape an impact of the role will be informed by consultation feedback and further work with the sector. The department will also revise the mandatory SENCO national professional qualification to ensure that SENCOs are equipped for their anticipated role.