Role of the SEN Staff

Since 1992 every department has sent a representative to regular, tabled meetings with school Learning Support staff. The post is voluntary and if often held on an interest-led or annual carousel basis within departments. The joint forum resulting from this collaboration is known as the SEN team. The Team has a crucial role to play in the smooth and effective operation of the SEN Policy at classroom level. It forms a vital link in the communication chain essential to many aspects of SEN identification, assessment and provision in school. Below is a list of responsibilities associated with the role of SEN Representative.

The departmental SEN Representative will:

Attend tabled meeting of the SEN Team on behalf of his/her department.

Maintain a clearly organised, up to date SEN file for the benefit of departmental colleagues.

Routinely bring up any current SEN issues within departmental meetings.

Assist in the early intervention process by forwarding concerns of colleagues on any SEN related issues (or individual pupils causing concern) at SEN Team meetings.

Help to raise awareness and understanding in departments of any new or particularly challenging learning difficulties currently being managed in school.

Help to inspire confidence in colleagues' ability to meet pupils' needs by supporting the efforts of the LS Team when introducing strategies to help facilitate inclusion.

Form a key link in the cycle of Planning and Review by advising/reminding colleagues on practice and procedure.

Assist the development of good practice and efficiency in school by raising the LS Team's awareness of any areas of SEN identification, assessment or provision which require attention.

Assist with the process of identification, assessment and provision for more able pupils, in line with any guidance issued by the learning Support Teacher who has designated responsibility in this area.