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Time, expertise and status: barriers faced by mainstream primary school SENCos in the pursuit of providing effective provision for children with SEND
Author(s) -
Smith Mia D.,
Broomhead Karen E.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
support for learning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1467-9604
pISSN - 0268-2141
DOI - 10.1111/1467-9604.12237
Subject(s) - mainstream , face (sociological concept) , diversity (politics) , inclusion (mineral) , special educational needs , position (finance) , sociology , pedagogy , mainstreaming , psychology , medical education , medicine , special education , political science , gender studies , social science , law , business , finance , anthropology
The inclusion ‘ideal’ is one which has been both celebrated and maligned. It paved the way for equality; but also, out of its diversity sprang many misconceptions and concerns for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It is within this maelstrom of difficulty that the Special Educational Needs Co‐ordinator (SENCo) role is placed, so that those undertaking the position of SENCo face numerous barriers in the pursuit of providing effectively for children with SEND. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with fifteen SENCos employed at mainstream primary schools within the North West of England. Findings revealed conflict between how SENCos viewed their role and responsibilities, and the expectations that they perceived to be placed on them by parents of children with SEND and mainstream colleagues. This study brings to the fore the complexities of the role of the SENCo, and the continuing demands placed on these practitioners.