Routes to becoming a SENCO

[DIYandEatCake]

I think this is something I’d really like to do, but I’m not sure of the best path from my current work. I’m a qualified teacher, but have been working as a peripatetic music teacher for years (I’m quite introverted/probably autistic and am far better at working with small groups and individuals, generally - class teaching left me exhausted and stressed). I’m good at my job and particularly enjoy teaching neurodiverse students - they are the students I build the best rapport with and feel I’m most effective at teaching (this was the same when I did teacher training). I’ve had lots of dealings with SENCOs over the years as a parent (my eldest child is diagnosed autistic, it’s been a very long journey), and think the job looks really interesting. I’m aware there are lots of special educational needs besides neurodiversity and there’s a lot to learn.
From my current position/experience, what would be the best starting point - take a job as a TA for more rounded SEND experience, do an online course (some of these look dubious and I’m not sure what’s recognised/reputable)? I’d like to work at secondary level, in a mainstream school.

Have you thought of being a special school teacher rather than a senco?

I'm a senco and on top of working with small groups/individuals I deliver whole school training, participate in a local senco network, have regular meeting with the LA and appear at tribunals -and that's on top of the parent meetings which can be quite challenging either because of direct challenge from parents or parents who need a lot of emotional and social support

A big piece of the job people don't see

As a SENCO I felt I was little more than a pen pusher, but if it's something you want to pursue I'd just look for jobs advertising it. They generally will pay for your to do the course (which is a massive undertaking) since it's a legal requirement. Certainly in primaries there's mot huge competition for the role as it's a lot of extra work for not much more pay. I'm glad I've done it though, so I have that experience.

Thanks for the replies. I have thought about special school teaching, but also feel like supporting the students who are educated in mainstream is something I’d really like to do. I’m fine with presenting to groups of adults, taking part in meetings etc, and having been a frustrated parent with a massively struggling child, appreciate the emotional side of parents’ meetings (and the fact that parents might be struggling themselves). I will start to look out for jobs then and see what happens - thank you.

Maybe a job teaching in an autism resource base in mainstream might suit? There is always the opportunity to support the neurodiverse children in mainstream as well as the base. Jobs often come up, it can just be hard to search for them because every school that has a base calls it something different.

Being a SENCO is a pretty horrible job. I think most of them feel like they just can't give everyone everything they need because the resources aren't there. Lots of angry, distressed parents.

Thank you, yes that’s another option I’m definitely looking into and something like that would suit me well I think.

I get very little opportunity to work proactively with small groups or individuals - lots of behaviour support but not in the way I would like.
I don’t think I have the ‘thick skin’ required to do the role long term - I am too angry or frustrated about the appalling system and lack of money and other resources. That makes me really vulnerable to complaints and dissatisfaction getting to me personally.
Perhaps a part time senco role alongside your peripatetic work would work for you. You’d still get the joy of teaching music alongside the senco stress load. Lots of 2 and 3 day posts advertised near me. I don’t think the TA route would be helpful. It’s a vastly different role.

Thank you - that’s useful information and I like your idea of combining the two, I hadn’t even considered that might be possible. I’ve got some research and thinking to do but I really do want a change - peripatetic music teaching sounds lovely but it too has its downsides, and I’m thinking of longer term career prospects now my own kids are getting older. It’s also something I’m just really interested in.