Section 173 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 came into effect on 8 January 2007. The Act was introduced in response to proposals by the Union that only qualified teachers should be given responsibilities for co-ordination of SEN provision.

Divisions are asked to raise three issues with local authorities at appropriate meetings about special educational needs provision or remodelling.

· Is the Authority aware of schools where staff who are not qualified teachers have been appointed SENCO and if so, what are they going to do?

· Is the Authority acting on the letter from the DfES dated January 2007 which explains that special educational needs co-ordinators should be members of the SMT?

· How will the Authority ensure that SENCO responsibilities are given to the appropriate members of staff and that such staff are remunerated appropriately and provided with sufficient non contact time?

Click here to download the NUT SENCO Charter which covers these issues in more detail.