Perspectives From a Seasoned EHCP Coordinator
03 Apr, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What it’s like to be a seasoned EHCP Coordinator.
- What to expect in a career in the Education and SEND sector.
- How to find and apply for the best EHCP Coordinator jobs.
EHCP Coordinators play a critical role in working to support students with SEND and resolving complex cases. With so much discussion around SEND reform dominating the media, it got us wondering what it’s really like to work in this field and what changes need to happen to better support children and young people with SEND.
That’s why we recently sat down with a seasoned EHCP Coordinator to discover more about his expertise, the obstacles faced during his career and what changes he would like to see in the future.
With over 25 years experience working in various education settings, this Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Coordinator has witnessed a lot of change in the SEND sector. Having worked in both primary and secondary, mainstream and special schools, this individual understands the different needs and requirements for a role in the education and the SEND sector.
From teaching SEND students and specialising in behaviour, to working as an Assistant SENCO, this EHCP Coordinator can certainly be described as an expert in the Education and SEND sector.
Working as an EHCP Coordinator for the last 2 years, this individual is utilising his experience and expertise to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to learn and grow.
Tell us about your career journey so far
I have worked in Education since 1997 when I returned to college to study a degree in Youth and Community studies. As part of my placements, I worked in generic youth work but also alternative education provisions with the same company in Canning Town, East London.
I have worked in every Key stage institution from mainstream primary and secondary schools, Alternative Provisions (AP), Pupil Referral Units (PRU), SEN schools, Cookham Wood Young Offenders Institution and various education support projects.
Now I am utilising my work experience and qualifications in supporting young people and writing their EHCP’s.
What does your role as an EHCP Coordinator consist of?
My day is always varied and usually centres around the writing of an EHC plan. Some EHC plans require amendments if the pupil with SEND is going through a key phase of education (moving from Key Stage 3 to 4, Key Stage 4 to 5 and onwards.)
We sometimes attend Annual Reviews but not all of them due to the significant caseloads - I have more than 150 cases.
A lot of my work involves liaising with core services and education professionals and dealing with sometimes complex issues that need resolving. I like to build strong working relationships with parents and schools to ensure all parties are working collaboratively and for the benefit and betterment of the young person.
Sometimes my day will change due to an emergency or an issue involving the young person and that always becomes the priority.
How do you keep up-to-date with changes in the SEND industry?
We have regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and we keep up to date with our statutory training modules on an annual basis.
What’s the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned in your career?
I would say, always keep detailed records and any evidence of practice and interventions. This will definitely help in the long run and is so valuable.
What is the most rewarding part about your role as an EHCP Coordinator?
When you have put a comprehensive plan in place and that plan meets the needs of the young person and in turn that young person engages and flourishes.
It can sometimes be frustrating but also immensely rewarding, but I have a great team and manager who are all very supportive and make my job all the more rewarding.
What obstacles have you faced in your career?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced in my career is not having access to enough funding and resources including health and social care, and sufficient access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). It can be difficult to provide the support and assessments that young people need without being able to access these facilities.
How have things changed or progressed in the SEND sector since the start of your career?
There are more Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMH) and needs than ever before due to the effects of COVID to name but one. More students than ever are being diagnosed with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
With a huge increase in the number of children and young people with SEND, there are not enough professionals to manage the EHC assessments in order to support young people's needs.
What changes would you like to see to better support the needs of children and young people with SEND?
I would like to see more resources and a drive in getting young people to go into occupational health, psychology and social care courses. Tackling the shortage of professionals working in the field would help with the current problems facing pupils with SEND.
What are your plans for the future?
I tend not to plan ahead and just look at and deal with my termly targets. Ideally, I would like to set up a SEN consultancy to support schools and colleges with their training and staff development with a focus of identifying tailored schemes for individuals.
This has been a dream for a while but as I am currently happy as I am, it doesn’t really matter if it doesn’t come to fruition!
EHCP Coordinator jobs
If you’re looking for your dream interim EHCP Coordinator job, look no further! We work with hundreds of local authorities across the UK and regularly place EHCP Coordinators into some of the best positions on the market.
We offer a range of contracts including fully remote or hybrid. Why not upload your CV to be the first to hear about upcoming opportunities? Or get in touch with our award winning Divisional Manager Richard Shorrock, to chat about your career and future plans.
Already got an interview? Discover common EHCP Coordinator interview questions and answers to prepare yourself!
Local authority SEND recruitment services
As a leading SEND recruitment agency in the UK, we support local authorities all over the UK with their recruitment needs. We offer expert advice and provide a variety of opportunities to ensure you find the best possible talent.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not give us a call on 01772 954200 to discover how we can help you?
Share your experience
Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the SEND sector.
If you work in the SEND sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
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We are determined to transform the recruitment experience and have a positive and meaningful impact on everyone we encounter.
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