The SENCO role is facilitated by working closely with others (staff within settings and external agencies) and linking up with other SENCOs. SENCO networks provide a valuable opportunity to connect with other SENCOs to share good practice, seek peer support and receive key updates from external agencies. Locality partnerships provide opportunities for communities of good practice to develop, where expertise and experience can be shared across multiple settings.
SENCOs often have a key role in coordinating support and input from external agencies. However, experienced SENCOs highlight the importance of sharing information with all staff regarding the role and remit of different agencies and referral processes, so that staff have a good understanding of when a referral might be appropriate and what this involves. SENCOs can visit the Local Offer for more information about the services available in Bury.
SENCOs value maintaining links and regular contact with key professionals to help inform and shape provision at all levels. It is helpful for link professional information to be shared with staff and parents/carers, and for information-sharing protocols to be established.