Who oversees SEN support in mainstream schools and nurseries?

Every school and nursery has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). This will be a member of specialist staff. They oversee SEND support and are usually responsible for: 

  • identifying students with SEND
  • making sure the SEND policy is being followed
  • working with parents, staff, professionals and Newcastle City Council to plan and deliver support
  • keeping information about students with SEND up to date
  • making sure the nursery or school is meeting their responsibilities

You can find out who the SENCO is on the school or nursery website. You should contact them if you think SEN support might be needed.

A smiling child in a modified chair holding the arm of a smiling woman.

Who else is responsible for SEN support?

Everyone at a school or nursery works together to give high-quality SEN support. This includes:

Who?  What they are responsible for? 
Class teacher 
  • identifying the needs of a student with SEND
  • responding to students' needs by making reasonable adjustments
  • working with the SENCO and parents/carers to create an SEN support plan
  • making sure support in an SEN support plan is given
  • planning any support and interventions 
Teaching assistants 
  • working closely with the teacher to deliver planned interventions and support
Head teacher and governors 
  • reviewing the SEND policy
  • checking that the needs of students with SEND are being met
  • holding the school accountable for SEN support
  • helping address any concerns around SEN support 
SEN support in schools and early years settings
Information from https://childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk/
Printed on January 4th 2026
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