They Behave For Me Can Amy and Bill Wilkinson explain the SEN crisis to Adam?
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Jul 11, 2025 In this enlightening discussion, Bill Wilkinson, a former academic scientist turned SENCO, shares his insights after his first year navigating the complexities of special educational needs. He addresses the struggles SENCOs face, including inadequate systems and the need for better communication with families. Bill also highlights challenges around resource allocation and the impact of birth months on SEN identification. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusive teaching strategies and adapting lesson plans to support vulnerable learners.
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Bill's SENCO Career Start
- Bill Wilkinson became SENCO after a project on SEN and dyslexia, unexpectedly taking over solo due to a colleague leaving.
- He found tremendous support from his assistant head and experienced SEN team, which was crucial for survival.
Listening is Core SENCO Work
- SENCOs spend most of their time in lengthy meetings listening to families and building trust.
- Many SEN families have endured battles for support, requiring sensitive, patient interaction beyond quick decisions.
System Struggles Cripple SEND Support
- The SEND system is broken due to underfunding, long diagnosis waits, and overburdened schools.
- Schools must stretch limited resources, legally mandated supports consume all capacity, leaving little early help for new cases.