New to SENCO/New to Barnet
Whether you are new to the role of SENCO or new to Barnet, we have a wealth of support available to support you in your role ranging from our local SENCO forums to our New to SENCO/New to Barnet 4-part induction course.
In addition to this, our Inclusion Advisory Teachers are on hand to answer any queries or questions you may have. See below to find out more about the support that is on offer.
'Welcome Induction' Meeting
If you are new to the role of SENCO or new to Barnet, our Inclusion Advisory Teachers are happy to offer a short induction meeting to welcome you. This involves an overview of what's on offer in Barnet and where to find key information. They will also take you on a short tour of our SENCO Zone and share key dates for your diary. If you would like to arrange a 'Welcome Induction', please contact [email protected] (primary) and [email protected] (secondary)
New to SENCO/New to Barnet Induction Course
Our New to SENCO/New to Barnet Induction course runs every year from September to July. This is a four part induction courses which covers all the key areas of SEN and inclusion to support those SENCOs who are new to the role and also those SENCOs who are new to Barnet. The four sessions cover the following topics:
1. Who's who in Barnet, where to find key information and local referral pathways
2. Applying for an Education Health Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) and the Annual Review process
3. Provision Mapping and the APDR Cycle
4. Reflecting on my first year and strategic next steps
As well as offering practical tips and resources, each session will allow time for discussion and questions. It is also a great opportunity to get to know other SENCOs in the local area and share good practice.
If you'd like to find out more about the course, visit our Upcoming Events section of the SENCO Zone and our BELS Traded Services website: BELS Traded Services Training courses
SENCO Mentoring
Whether you are new to the role of SENCO or an experienced SENCO, our Inclusion Advisory Teachers can offer support through regular mentoring sessions. These sessions are an opportunity to focus on specific areas of SEN and inclusion and support your growing knowledge and expertise.
As a new SENCO, mentoring sessions can be invaluable in supporting you with undertaking key statutory duties within your role and having an Inclusion Advisory Teacher on hand to go through any questions or queries you may have. Sessions are focused on giving practical support, access to key resources and an action plan to help you develop SEND practice.
If you are interested in finding out more about SENCO Mentoring, get in touch with [email protected]
Our local SENCO forums - SENCO Challenge Workshops
Our local SENCO forums run regularly during the term and are known are our SENCO Challenge Workshops. We run a forum for our primary SENCOs and a forum for our secondary SENCOs, and these are facilitated by our Inclusion Advisory Teachers.
Our SENCO Challenge Workshops are a great place to meet other SENCOs across Barnet, and an opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise about different aspects of special educational needs and inclusion. The agenda for our forums is very much driven by our SENCOs and focus on topics that they would like further reflection and support with. We also regularly invite organisations and speakers to our forums so it's a brilliant way of deepening your knowledge of what's available locally, the national SEND picture and to network with others in the field of SEND.
If you would like to find our more, contact our Inclusion Advisory Teachers: [email protected] (primary) and [email protected] (secondary)
You can also look out for our termly dates on the SENCO Zone
Our SENCO Conferences
Our SENCO Conferences take place on a termly basis and provide the latest updates and developments for SEND both locally and nationally. They offer practical guidance to support SENCOs in their role, covering a wide range of topics related to inclusion and special educational needs. Our conferences have a fantastic range of keynote speakers and are a great way to network with others SENCOs and professionals.
Check our Upcoming Events section of the SENCO Zone for termly dates and also visit our BELS Traded Services website for further details: BELS Traded Services website
NASENCO Qualification
If you are a new or aspiring SENCO, the NASENCO course is run locally as a collaboration between Brent, Harrow and Barnet local authorities. The course spans one academic year and comprises of two modules at Masters level: The SENCOs role in leading teaching and learning, and The SENCOs role in leading and managing change.
The course tutor is Chris Richmond and is an opportunity to work with other SENCOs based locally.
If you would like to find out more about the course, click here: NASENCO Award 2022-23 Flyer
Whole School SEND and nasen - SENCO Induction Pack
The SENCO Induction Pack supports new SENCOs at the start of their journey before they complete the NASENCO qualification. It provides useful information to those who are new to the role of SENCO but is also a great resource for experienced SENCOs.
It has now been updated and revised to take into account the new Ofsted EIF (September 2019).
Click here to download a copy: SENCO Induction Pack revised edition