Governing bodies of maintained mainstream schools and proprietors of mainstream academies must make sure a qualified teacher who works at the school is designated as SENCO (SEND Code of Practice, paragraphs 6.84 and 6.85). The SENCO has day-to-day responsibility for the school's SEN policy and for coordinating provision for individual pupils, including those with an EHCP (paragraph 6.88). The Code says they are most effective as part of the leadership team (paragraph 6.87).
The qualification. The Code still describes the National Award for SEN Co-ordination, but since 1 September 2024 the mandatory qualification for new SENCOs has been the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs. It must still be achieved within three years of appointment. SENCOs who already hold the National Award don't need the NPQ.
The SENCO and safeguarding. KCSIE 2026 says reports of abuse involving children with SEND need close liaison between the DSL (or a deputy) and the SENCO (paragraph 250). The SENCO is not the DSL, though in some small schools one person holds both roles. Where a looked-after child has SEN, the SENCO should also work with the designated teacher.
"SENDCo" is a common alternative name. The legal term is SENCO.