SENCOs must be qualified teachers

All SEN Co-ordinators will have to be fully qualified teachers under new government proposals.

The move will affect the growing number of schools that have given the post to unqualified staff, such as teaching assistants. Under the proposals, by September 2009 all new Sencos will have to be qualified teachers. Those already in the job for at least six months will have until September 2011 to qualify.

Nasen, the professional association for people working in special needs, and the NUT have welcomed the move. But both are unhappy the Government has backed down over plans to make it compulsory for SENCOs to be members of the senior leadership team.