Shaping the SEND Sector: A SENCO and Director Shares Her Expertise
25 Sept, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- About the role of a SENCO and how to have a positive impact on students, families, professionals and colleagues.
- Insights from a SENCO including tips on how to find the best support in the SEND sector.
- How to find and apply for the best SENCO jobs.
It’s no secret that the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) sector is multi-faceted and in need of reform. However, there are ways for local authority professionals to gain support and educational platforms that can help.
In this interview with a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENCO) we discuss the current state of the SEND sector and ways to improve provision for children with special needs.
Abigail Hawkins is an award winning SEN Consultant, advocate and SENCO as well as the founder of two SEND platforms. These platforms provide SENCOs with content, consultancy service and advice, as well as a community of SENCOs to interact with.
Abigail even has plans to support more SENCOs with her involvement in an AI-based project, nicknamed the ‘second SENCO.’ Discover more about the support available to SENCOs in this exclusive interview with a SEND expert.
Tell us about your career journey so far
My career in SEND spans nearly 3 decades and began quite unexpectedly. I started my career as a science Teacher, where I was often assigned the most challenging groups of students. While this was a daunting task, it sparked my interest in understanding the diverse needs of students and how best to support them, particularly those who required more tailored approaches to their learning.
Over time, I moved across all phases of education, which provided me with a well-rounded understanding of the curriculum and deepened my knowledge of child development. This broad experience has been invaluable in my work with children with SEND.
Throughout my career, I have worn many of the ‘additional hats’ in education, including roles as Pupil Premium (PP) coordinator, English as an Additional Language (EAL) lead, Children Looked After (CLA) lead, Safeguarding (SG) lead, and of course, SENCO. Each of these roles has offered unique insights into the challenges and needs of different groups of students, further enriching my understanding and approach to SEND.
My academic journey also played a significant role in shaping my career. I recently pursued a Master's degree in Psychology, which has provided a fabulous consolidation for understanding the complexities of child development and the various factors that can affect learning and behaviour.
This combination of practical experience and academic study has equipped me with the tools needed to support students effectively and to advocate for improvements in SEND provision.
Tell us about your current role and responsibilities
Currently, I am the founder and director of both SENsible SENCO CIC and SENDCOSolutions, both of which have been nominated at the Education Today Awards. These platforms were born out of a desire to provide practical support, resources, and consultancy to educators and SENCOs across the country. SENsible SENCO offers a community, webinars, and curated content designed to provide the ‘hug’ that SENCOs often need in what can be an isolating and challenging role.
One of the core principles of SENsible SENCO is giving back to the educational community; we reinvest most of our profits directly into schools, ensuring that they have the resources they need to support students with SEND effectively.
This commitment to supporting schools extends beyond financial assistance - we also host our own annual conference, bringing together SENCOs, educators, experts and exhibitors from across the country to share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore the latest developments in the field. The conference has become a key event for our SENCOs, offering invaluable networking and learning opportunities for attendees.
SENDCOSolutions focuses on consultancy work, where I often step in as an interim SENCO for schools struggling to get on top of their SEND provision. I also work closely with several ed-tech providers, advising on product development and keeping them informed about changes in the sector.
In addition to my work as a SENCO and educational consultant, I also served as the chair of governors for three schools simultaneously during the Covid-19 pandemic. This role was both challenging and rewarding, as it required navigating unprecedented circumstances while ensuring that the schools continued to provide high-quality education and support to their students.
Managing the complexities of remote learning, safeguarding, and staff wellbeing during such a tumultuous time deepened my understanding of school leadership and reinforced my commitment to adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
What does your role as an Educational Consultant and SENCO consist of?
My role as an Educational Consultant and SENCO is diverse and multifaceted, requiring me to wear multiple hats depending on the needs of the schools and educators I work with.
On a typical day, my activities might include:
- Advising schools and institutions and providing direct support. Through SENDCOSolutions, I provide consultancy services to schools, helping them develop effective SEND policies, improve their provision for children with special needs, and ensure compliance with current legislation. Sometimes, this involves stepping in as an interim SENCO, particularly for schools that are struggling to manage their SEND responsibilities.
- Providing training and development: I conduct training sessions for Teachers, SENCOs, and school leadership teams on various aspects of SEND. This training covers everything from identifying needs and implementing interventions to working effectively.
- Resource Development. SENsible SENCO is a platform dedicated to supporting SENCOs across the UK. I create and curate resources that are designed to make a SENCO's life as straightforward as possible. This includes practical tools such as templates for provision mapping, guides on managing specific SEND issues, and webinars that provide ongoing professional development.
- Collaboration with Ed-Tech Providers. I work with a variety of educational technology providers, advising them on product development and ensuring that their products meet the evolving needs of the SEND sector.
What’s the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned in your career?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is the importance of patience, persistence, and adaptability. Working in SEND is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its share of challenges.
Progress can be slow, and the results of interventions may not be immediately visible. This has taught me the value of long-term commitment—staying focused on each child’s journey, celebrating small successes, and never giving up, even when progress seems incremental.
Another crucial lesson is the need to adapt to changing circumstances and the diverse needs of students. What works for one child may not work for another, and being flexible and responsive is essential.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging aspect of my job is working with other adults. Whether it’s convincing school leadership of the importance of SEND provision, managing the expectations of parents, or navigating the myriad of opinions on how things should be done, there is always a barrier. Overcoming these challenges requires diplomacy, persistence, and a focus on what is ultimately best for the students. This adaptability extends to working with adults as well - whether it’s school leadership, Teachers, or parents, each group brings its own set of challenges and requires a tailored approach to collaboration and communication.
What challenges or obstacles have you faced in your career?
One of the significant challenges I’ve faced in my career is the widespread belief that more funding is the only solution to the issues within the SEND sector.
While adequate funding is certainly important, I think that a complete restructuring of the entire education system would likely be more cost-effective and successful in the long run. The current system often places too much emphasis on bureaucracy and compliance, rather than focusing on what truly benefits the students.
Another challenge has been the inconsistency in SEND provision across different schools and local authorities. This inconsistency can result in inequitable access to resources and support for children, depending on where they live.
I have focused on overcoming these disparities, pushing for more standardised practices and advocating for policies that ensure all children receive the support they need, regardless of their location.
How have things changed or progressed in the SEND sector since the start of your career?
The SEND sector has seen significant changes since I first entered the field. One of the most notable shifts has been the introduction of the Children and Families Act 2014, which brought about Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
This legislation aimed to provide a more holistic approach to supporting children with SEND by combining education, health, and care needs into one plan. While the intent behind EHCPs was positive, the implementation has been challenging, particularly due to the increased demand for EHCPs and the pressure this has placed on local authorities.
Another significant change has been the growing awareness of mental health needs within the SEND framework. Today, there is a much greater emphasis on supporting the emotional and psychological wellbeing of children, which is a welcome development.
However, this increased awareness and inclusivity have also brought their own challenges, particularly in terms of ensuring that schools have the resources and expertise to meet these needs effectively.
Overall, we are more aware of diverse needs and more inclusive in our approach, which is a positive progression. However, these changes have also highlighted the need for ongoing adaptation and support within the sector to ensure that inclusivity is not just a policy but a reality in every classroom.
How do you keep up-to-date with changes in the SEND industry?
Staying up-to-date in the ever-evolving SEND sector is crucial, and I take a multi-faceted approach to professional development. I regularly attend conferences, engage in extensive reading, and study topics that intrigue me.
Networking is also an essential part of my professional life - I learn something new every week through our webinars with professionals in the field. These webinars provide a platform for exchanging ideas, discussing challenges, and staying informed about the latest developments in SEND.
Additionally, I maintain close connections with other professionals in the field, both through formal networks and informal discussions. This ongoing engagement with the wider SEND community ensures that I remain informed about best practices, emerging trends, and changes in legislation.
What do you feel can be done to better support the needs of children and young people with SEND?
To better support children and young people with SEND, we need to rethink the current system. While funding is important, it’s not the only answer. A fundamental restructuring of the education system is required, one that prioritises early identification, consistent support, and practical, hands-on training for staff.
Schools need more resources and training to identify needs as early as possible and to implement effective support strategies. Additionally, there should be more structured collaboration between schools, parents, and external agencies to ensure that the support provided is comprehensive and consistent.
Reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that often delay the provision of support is also crucial. The system should be streamlined to ensure that the focus remains on the students and their needs, rather than on ticking boxes. By prioritising early intervention, practical training, and collaboration, we can create a more effective and responsive system that truly meets the needs of children with SEND.
What would you say has been your biggest achievement?
One of my most significant achievements is the establishment and growth of SENsible SENCO. The platform now supports nearly half of the SENCOs in England, which is both a tremendous accomplishment and a considerable responsibility.
In my previous roles, I directly impacted around 100 students at a time. Now, through SENsible SENCO, I’m indirectly influencing the education of thousands of students across the country. The scale of this impact is immense, and it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. It’s both humbling and inspiring to know that the resources and support we provide are making a difference in so many schools.
Do you have any tips or advice for anyone considering a career in SEND?
For anyone considering a career in SEND, my advice would be to approach it with an open heart, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of children. Working in SEND is both challenging and deeply rewarding, requiring patience, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting children’s development.
Gaining experience in various educational settings is invaluable, as it will expose you to the wide range of needs that children may have. Additionally, always seek out opportunities for professional development and networking - the SEND community is one where collaboration and shared knowledge are highly valued.
Finally, be prepared to face challenges, particularly when it comes to working with adults. Whether it’s advocating for the needs of students or navigating the complexities of school systems, persistence and a focus on the well-being of the children you support will serve you well.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking forward, my primary goal is to continue making the role of a SENCO as efficient and effective as possible. I aim to keep developing resources and tools that streamline the administrative and procedural aspects of the role, enabling SENCOs to focus more on their core mission - supporting students.
I’m dedicated to ensuring that the tools we develop truly address the everyday challenges faced by SENCOs. One of the most exciting projects I’m currently involved in is a groundbreaking AI-based initiative, which I’ve nicknamed ‘second SENCO.’ It aims to revolutionise how support is provided to SENCOs and, by extension, to students with SEND.
As we look ahead, the incumbency of a new government presents an exciting opportunity to influence and drive forward changes that could greatly enhance SEN practice. I’m hopeful that with the right focus on early intervention, streamlined processes, and equitable support, we can work towards a more effective and responsive SEND system that truly meets the needs of all students.
In the long term, I plan to expand the reach and impact of SENsible SENCO and SENDCOSolutions, striving to create more effective and equitable SEND provision across the country.
My aim is to engage with the remaining schools whose SENCOs are not yet involved with SENsible SENCO. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, has access to the support and opportunities they deserve.
SEND jobs
If you’re searching for your next SEND job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Local authority recruitment services
As specialist local authority SEND recruiters, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs.
We can supply SEND staff for service redesign, tackling annual review backlogs and SEND/EHC Case workers to amend plans or hold annual review meetings.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?
South of the UK - Richard Shorrock
Midlands & North of the UK - Adam Zyda
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 healthcare sector.
If you work in the healthcare 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?
Established in 2017, we’re a vibrant and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West.
We continually reimagine the recruitment process to challenge convention and defy expectations; from creating a better recruitment experience to remodelling employee engagement, we thrive off doing things differently and turning heads along the way.
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