How to Become a SENCO: Qualifications and Career Guide

A SENCO helps schools support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). SENCO stands for Special Educational Needs Coordinator. They work with teachers, families and other professionals to plan the right support. So, how to become a SENCO in England? 

The main route starts with becoming a qualified teacher and gaining school experience. You will usually need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and must meet the current SENCO qualification rules. The NPQ SENCO is the main qualification route and takes 18–22 months. You also need good communication, planning and teamwork skills.

Let’s dive in to learn about the SENCO role, key requirements, salary and career path.

What Does a SENCO Do?

A SENCO helps schools support pupils with additional needs. Their role includes planning SEN support with teachers. They also work with parents and outside professionals. The SEND Code of Practice guides their work. Overall, they help schools provide inclusive education. 

• Spot support needs: Find pupils who may need extra help with learning.
• Plan the right support: Help teachers choose suitable support for each pupil.
• Check pupil progress: Review progress and change support when needed.
• Manage SEND information: Keep SEND records, EHCPs and provision plans up to date.
• Support school staff: Guide teachers and help staff understand pupils’ additional needs.
• Work with families: Talk with parents and outside professionals about pupil support.

How to Become a SENCO with Qualification?

To meet the main SENCO requirements in England, you normally need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You must also complete teacher induction when the rules require it. You should work as a teacher at the school while serving as SENCO. A headteacher or acting headteacher may also meet the relevant route.

The NPQ SENCO is now the required qualification for most mainstream school SENCOs. You normally complete it after taking the SENCO role. Schools may set extra requirements based on their needs. Independent schools can follow different SENCO qualifications and arrangements. You do not always need several years of teaching experience.

How Do You Get QTS Before Becoming a Special Educational Needs Coordinator?

QTS is an important step if you want to become a SENCO in England. It shows that you meet the required standards to teach in schools. You can gain QTS through different teacher training routes. These include university-led training and school-led training, such as SCITT. Some postgraduate courses also offer a PGCE with QTS.

Each route has its own entry requirements. Check these before choosing your training course. Classroom experience can also prepare you for a SENCO role. As a qualified teacher, you build useful skills in lesson planning, behaviour support and tracking pupil progress. These skills can support your future teaching career and SENCO work.

How Much Teaching Experience Does a SENCO Need?

There is no set number of years you must teach before becoming a SENCO. However, good Special Educational Needs Coordinator experience can help you feel ready for the role. Classroom work helps you understand different learning needs. It also builds skills in SEND support and inclusive teaching.

Leadership work can also help you prepare. You may gain this through pastoral work, Head of Year or Head of Subject roles. Shadowing a SENCO can give you useful experience too. An Assistant SENCO or Deputy SENCO role can also help. Schools may set their own job requirements. These are different from the legal Special Educational Needs Coordinator requirements.

Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Special Educational Needs Coordinator?

Yes, a teaching assistant can work towards becoming a SENCO. However, you cannot normally move straight into a mainstream SENCO role. The usual route involves gaining teaching experience and QTS. An Assistant SENCO role can also help you prepare for the position.

• Start as a TA: Gain classroom and pupil support experience.
• Build SEND knowledge: Learn about different needs and support.
• Gain QTS: Complete teacher training and qualify as a teacher.
• Gain teaching experience: Build classroom and pupil progress skills.
• Develop leadership skills: Take on SEND or pastoral duties.
• Become a SENCO: Move into the role and complete the NPQ SENCO.

What is the NPQ SENCO and When Do You Need it?

The NPQ SENCO means National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinators. It is the current national qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinator in England. In most mainstream schools, you must complete it within three years of taking the SENCO role. It helps you build the skills needed to lead SEND support.

The course takes around 18 to 22 months. You may spend about 1 to 2 hours studying each week. It includes self-study, group sessions and a written assessment. Many eligible teachers and leaders can get funding. However, funding does not guarantee a funded place.

What are the Main SENCO Responsibilities?

SENCO responsibilities help pupils get the right support at school. A SENCO helps find pupils who may need extra help. The role includes planning SEN provision, support plans and suitable interventions. Regular checks show if the support helps each pupil. Clear and up-to-date SEND records also remain important.

Good teamwork forms a big part of the role. SENCOs work with teachers, TAs, parents and other experts. The role may include EHCP plans and reviews. Special Educational Needs Coordinator also guide staff on SEND support and help with the SEND policy. Some schools may also involve them in resource planning or the SEN budget.

What Skills Does a SENCO Need?

Good communication skills help SENCOs speak clearly and listen well. Patience and empathy help them understand pupils and their needs. Strong organisation and time management also help manage daily schoolwork. Good leadership skills and teamwork are useful when working with staff and parents.

A SENCO also needs good attention to detail for records and plans. Basic data skills help track pupil progress. SEND knowledge helps with rules and guidance. Flexibility is important when needs change. Problem-solving and good decision-making also help SENCOs find the right support.

How Much Does a SENCO Earn in the UK?

There is no single Special Educational Needs Coordinator salary for every school. Pay often follows teacher or leadership pay scales. A reference source gives £30,000 to £50,000 as a general salary range. It also reports £55,983 for SENCOs in London. These figures are useful guides, not fixed national rates.

• Teacher pay: From September, the minimum salary will be above £34,000.
• Average pay: The average teacher salary will be above £52,800.
• SEN allowance: Some SENCOs may receive extra pay for SEN duties.
• Experience: More experience can lead to higher SENCO pay.
• Location: Pay can change by area, school and level of responsibility.

What Career Progression Can a SENCO Expect?

A SENCO career can lead to different roles in education. With more experience, you may become an inclusion lead, deputy headteacher or headteacher. Some SENCOs choose to stay in specialist SEND roles. This can help them build deeper knowledge and become SEND experts.

You can also move into SEND leadership, school improvement, staff training or policy work. Local authorities and multi-academy trusts may offer wider SEND roles. Educational consultancy is another career option. However, there is no fixed career path. Progression depends on your skills, experience, available jobs and school structure.

Does the SENCO Role Differ Across the UK?

The SENCO UK route can differ depending on where you work. The rules in this article mainly cover SEND England. England uses the SEND system while Wales uses its own additional learning needs system. In Wales, the similar role is called an ALNCO or Additional Learning Needs Coordinator.

Scotland uses the term ‘additional support needs’ instead of SEND. Its schools follow different rules and support systems. Northern Ireland also has its own arrangements. So, check the rules for your country before choosing training. The NPQ Special Educational Needs Coordinator route should not be treated as a UK-wide requirement.

Final Thoughts

A career as a SENCO can be a rewarding path in education. So, how to become a Special Educational Needs Coordinator? In England, the usual route starts with QTS and school teaching experience. You then complete the NPQ SENCO after entering the role. Good communication, SEND knowledge and leadership skills can help you succeed. With experience, you can move into wider SEND leadership roles.

Want to build your SEND knowledge? Explore our Diploma in Special Education Needs (SEN Training) course today.

FAQs about How to Become a SENCO

1. What qualifications do I need to be a SENCO?

• You normally need QTS to become a SENCO in a mainstream school in England. You must also complete the NPQ SENCO within three years of taking the role.

2. Can I be a SENCO without being a teacher?

• Usually, no. Mainstream SENCOs in England normally need QTS and must work as a teacher at the school. An Assistant SENCO role can be a useful starting point.

3. How much money does a SENCO make?

• A SENCO can earn around £30,000 to £50,000 as a general guide. Pay can vary by location, experience, school and duties. Some roles may also include an SEN allowance.

4. How long does it take to get a SENCO qualification?

• The NPQ SENCO usually takes around 18–22 months. You must complete it within three years after taking the SENCO role.

5. Is being a SENCO difficult?

• The role can be busy and challenging. You may manage many pupils, support staff and work with parents. Good planning, patience and communication can make the job easier.

6. How much does the SENCO qualification cost?

• The cost can vary by training provider and your circumstances. Eligible teachers and leaders may receive funding in many state-funded settings. However, funding does not guarantee a funded place.