The Education (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators) (England) Regulations 2008
The Education (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators) (England) Regulations
2008 (SI 2008/2945) were laid before Parliament on 21 November. The Regulations
introduce a new requirement for SENCOs to be qualified teachers, fulfilling
earlier commitments made to Parliament. This requirement will ensure that the
SENCO has the standing to influence differentiated teaching and learning
matched to pupils' individual needs.
The Regulations are due to come into effect on 1 September 2009, but allow for a two-year transitional period, for SENCOs who are not currently teachers, but who have been in post for at least six months as at 31 August 2009, to gain Qualified Teacher Status by September 2011. This period will allow schools that may be affected to make any necessary staffing adjustments.
Some of the SENCO functions will continue to be undertaken by other staff, including teaching assistants, and they will continue to make a significant and important contribution to improving the achievement and well-being of pupils with SEN and disabilities. However, the person designated by the school governing body as responsible for co-ordinating overall provision for pupils with SEN and disabilities i.e. the person with the lead responsibility, will need to be a qualified teacher. The Regulations also allow for headteachers or acting headteachers to carry out the role.
Related downloads
- You can access the Word document here.
- You can acesss the PDF version here.
- This explanatory note sets out the effect of the Regulations and the requirements of governing bodies and their responsibilities.
- Read a reminder about access arrangements for disabled pupils undertaking general qualifications.
Last updated: 23 September 2009
