ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCO) role and responsibilities alongside those of the social worker when working in this important partnership. Social care and education are often in a position to work together to support the needs of an individual and their family. Professionals use a range of terminology to describe this way of working. The medical model of special educational needs and disability in school manifests itself in ‘diagnosis’ and labelling, whereby the child or young person is seen as having a ‘deficit’. The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Regulations (2014) are very clear about the role that a SENCO has in relation to assessing the needs of children and young people with SEND. The Health and Care Professionals Council currently oversee the standards for social workers, and social workers are expected to fulfil a range of criteria outlined in the Standards of Proficiency: Social Workers in England document.
