The SENCO Role - What do you need to know?

SENCOs (Special Education Needs Coordinator) have a critical role to play in ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities within a school receive the support they need.

SENCOs support the identification of children with Special Education Needs by assessing students, identifying needs, and developing IEPs (Individual Education Plans). They track and monitor the progress of children and ensure there is high-quality teaching and intervention for students with additional needs. SENCOs work in small groups or individual 1:1 settings. They oversee and support Teacher Aides and provide guidance and support for teachers. SENCOs attend in-school special needs meetings and liaise with parents, RTLBs (Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour), SLTs (Speech-Language Therapists), OTs (Occupational Therapists), other providers, outside agencies, and educational psychologists.

Kristen Ferguson is the Deputy Principal and SENCO at Kaikorai, and she works closely with Ms Downie, and all teachers and teacher aides in the school to ensure no child is left behind. 

The following are 4 areas of need for children with Special Education Needs. At Kaikorai, our mission is to allow for all of these areas to be addressed appropriately.

• Cognition and Learning
• Communication and Interaction
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health
• Sensory and Physical

Each newsletter in the future will feature specific information about one of the areas mentioned above. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Kristen at the school. 

kferguson@kaikorai.school.nz