Product reviews for The Perfect SENCO

Mrs Packer has written this well presented hardback book in a highly engaging and informative way. As a relatively new Senco, I devoured it in just two sittings, but it would be equally valuable for more experienced practitioners to refresh their skills and keep them up to date on the latest developments.
As Sencos, we are always striving to support children more effectively, and this handy guide provides lots of checklists and reflective questions to help us. Crucially, Mrs Packer recognises that the role is not just about `ticking boxes for Ofsted or ensuring we are following the latest government message. 'We do it because we want to make a difference to the lives of children,' she says.
She outlines the latest government policies and recent research into different areas of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), serving up her insights in lovely bite-sized chunks. At the end of each chapter there are useful summaries, case studies, top tips, checklists and templates. Arid while the title may suggest the book is only aimed at Sencos, I believe it is a must-read for every teacher, learning support assistant and senior leader within a school setting.
The year that lies ahead will bring a major upheaval in the field of SEND.
The role of the Senco is rapidly changing and from 2014 schools will have to work differently in the way that they support children with SEND. First, there must be a whole-school approach that provides high-quality provision all day, every day. This is achieved through inclusive teaching which meets the needs of every pupil through high expectations, including those with SEND. As Mrs Packer states, `All teachers are teachers of children with SEND' - this should be the mantra of every fully inclusive school.
Second, there must be effective communication with parents, the child and external agencies. Sencos will also need to consider their local offer and understand how to commission the services needed to provide specific support. This is especially important with the introduction of personal budgets with
Education, Health and Care Plans, where the parents decide how their child's funding will be used.
The book covers all of this, exploring the Senco's role in school improvement, strategic direction and staff development, high quality SEND provision, tracking and monitoring to raise achievement, effective partnerships, self-evaluation and Ofsted. Every chapter is fantastic. Mrs Packer concludes with a quick checklist of key actions to aid us in our quest to become `The Perfect Senco'.