How do schools choose a special educational needs co-ordinater?

Question

I am curoius how schools choose a SENCO in british schools.Also do they have to have special training to be in this position.

I have just taken my 8yr old out of school as he has learning difficulties (spld dyspraxia and dyslexia) which he did have a statement for these.An ed pyshc made full suggestions as to what he needed,but he never received the help he needed.The head was the senco and when asked about what he needed said it was the leas responsability this went backwards and forwards for 7 months and still no laptop for my son as promised.Felt very let down and had enough so now home ed him on a one to one basis and he has blosomed.No one would seem to take resposability and it was my sons eduaction that we where talking about which he needs for the rest of his life.

Answer 1

Normally, and in smaller schools, the SENCO will be one of the existing teachers who volunteers for this extra responsibility, and gets some extra training to help them.

In larger schools, there may be a dedicated SENCO who does not have other teaching responsibilities.

It is normally up to the school governors to agree the school staffing structure, and the Head to appoint the SENCO within that structure.

Answer 2

The SENCo is an appointment which is made in the same way as any other management level teaching staff appointment (e.g. a head of department or head of year). Most are advertised in the teaching press although internal applicants may well be deemed the best for the post. The competency framework has more elements to it for this post than for any other in the teaching profession, with the exception of the head teacher. It is likely that the SENCo of a school has therefore had sound experience of teaching and further training in this specialist role. There is no specific requirement to have had training, but the competencies must be evidenced.

This sounds like a loaded question, what's the follow up?

Answer 3

first of all sorry you have had that terrible experience as one mom who also had a hard time with something like this I can understand how frustrated you are.
We do have a very good sytem in the Uk where Special Education Needs is concerned however it is not all plain sailing and it can take up to two years for your child to have a full statement of needs done.
They will be qualified teachers and most do have extra training in Special Educational Needs however it is not a must as long as they have enough experience and knoweldge in this area that may or may not do depending on the school.
The head teacher and governing bodies will do the interview and this will consist of governors who are parents too usually the sen parent govenor as we have those to over here in most schools.
You need to write and complain to the head of the governing body of the school or your local educational department or both about what has happened with your child.
A lot depends on his statement of needs and this will state what help he needs and what the school are going to provide.
All schools and colleges over here get extra money from the goverment for children with Special Educational needs to pay for extra staff and resourses.
If you are not happy you need to make a complaint and I would if I was you your childs education is so important. I had to fight to prove my child had SEN and to get her a full statement of needs so she could have all the extra help. She is now an adult and still has those difficulties however because she had all the right help and support during her school life she now works full time and holds qualifications for that job.
Good luck

Answer 4

Well I had a Masters Degree in SEN. However reading your additional comments I think you have every right to feel let down. It is a statutory right to have recommendations from a Statement implemented. Contact the School Chair of Governors about the Heads disgraceful comments and the Chief Executive of the Children's Services Department about the way the education system has not helped your child.
Good luck!

Answer 5

The local LEA choose them

Local Education Department

Answer 6

They ask them to draw around their hands...If they do it successfully (no digits missing) they're in!