The sometimes misunderstood, always vital, role of the SENCo. The Friday Morning Break with John Gibbs

Dr. Tristan Middleton discusses the role of the special education coordinator (SENCO) in schools and the challenges they face. The SENCO is a mandated role in state schools in the UK and is responsible for overseeing the provision for children with special educational needs (SEN) and supporting the development of teachers. However, the role of the SENCO is open to debate, with discussions about whether they should be part of the school's leadership team. The conversation also explores the impact of school exclusions on students with SEN and the need for a more inclusive approach to behavior management. In this conversation, John and Dr. Tristan Middleton discuss the importance of nurturing and inclusive approaches in schools. They explore the role of leadership in creating a nurturing culture and the need for whole-school approaches. They also touch on the concept of nurture groups and their effectiveness in supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The conversation highlights the negative impact that exclusion and isolation rooms can have on students and emphasizes the importance of building a sense of community in schools. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a shift towards nurturing and inclusive practices in education.