THE SEN GOVERNOR

The LANCASHIRE ASSOCIATION of SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES

THE ROLE OF THE S E N GOVERNOR - A PERSONAL VIEW

I presently serve as a governor in three schools viz. an academy, a primary school and a college (new secondary school). As a retired SENCO, my expertise is in SEN and therefore I am currently the SEN Governor in each of these schools.

This, of course, is a requirement of every governing body and I see myself as an important link between the SENCO and the governing body most of whom will have little or no experience of SEN. Perhaps it is easy for me having considerable experience and training but I am sure that many take on this task with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about SEN and become involved.

It is a role I cherish because I feel that ensuring provision for SEN is adequate in my schools is a very necessary role for every governing body as concerned and interested adults. SEN could be seen as the “poor relation” in schools since it generally has no impact on league tables. Having said that, SEN provision does make a tremendous impact on those students who come into this category and if our schools are to remain inclusive then, for me, this function of a school should come into the category of “good to excellent” in terms of school inspections.

The responsibilities of the SEN Governor are:-

be informed about relevant SEN related legislation

liaise with the SENCO abut the school’s procedure for identifying and supporting pupils with SEN

with the assistance of the SENCO and Headteacher to monitor and evaluate the school’s SEN provision

to establish and maintain the Governing Body’s regular consideration of SEN provision and its effectiveness

to be aware f the arrangements the school has made to ensure regular communication with parents of SEN pupils

to be an advocate for SEN when whole school issues are being considered

to attend Governor training sessions to improve his/her effectiveness as an SEN Governor

to represent the Governing body on SEN matters

The Headteacher has strategic responsibility to manage the school and SEN provision and the SEN Governor should not become involved with casework of individual students within the school context.

There is new legislation relating to Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators that came into effect on 1^st September 2009. Details can be found on the DCSF Website. The full title of the act is THE EDUCATION( SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS CO-ORDINATORS) (ENGLAND) 2008

SPRING TERM 2010

NFORMATION

FOR

GOVERNING BODY

MEETINGS