Product reviews for The Perfect SENCO

Never has education seen so much change in such a short period of time, especially with regard to SEND and its coordination. From 2014, schools will need to work differently, leaving behind the medicalised approach to SEND as a deficit model and moving towards a more proactive, whole-school approach. This is something good schools have always done; however, for some a more collaborative, corporate approach will be a significant change. This is, however, essential in order to meet the needs of twenty-first century learners.

Natalie Packer's new book, The Perfect SENCO, considers the key tenets of the twenty-first century SENCO, with particular regard to the new ways of working that colleagues will face.

Considering the SENCO role as one centred around school improvement is an important distinction that some colleagues maintaining an approach based upon a medical model will need to understand. This publication tackles this as part of a whole-school approach, considering high quality provision and effective partnerships as key elements of that new way of working.

In addition, clear guidance and support with regard to self-evaluation and inspections helps SENCO colleagues measure and evidence impact; another key facet of the modern SENCO way.

Throughout the book, case studies and examples, along with top tips, bring the text to life - these allow the reader an opportunity to understand the context and support a greater depth of understanding. This book is timely for a number of reasons, not only due to the significant changes taking place with regard to provision and assessment of SEND, but also because, at a time of austerity, it allows the reader to see that effective provision does not need to be expensive; a desire to improve outcomes as part of a whole-school approach is a key starting point. This, coupled with the themes that run through the book with regard to collaboration and partnerships, school improvement and evaluation, provide a condensed and cohesive manuscript that should find a valuable home in all SENCOs' offices/bookcases.

As an experienced SENCO, who has been fortunate enough to coordinate some high quality outcomes for some of our most vulnerable learners, I can align myself with all the publication's key themes; this is no surprise as good practice has always been one of partnerships and collaboration that is child-centred. As a tool for helping focus experienced SENCOs on key areas, or for the newly appointed, The Perfect SENCO is an ideal companion for the challenges we face, especially in light of the recent, significant changes in policy and provision.

I have no reservations in wholeheartedly recommending this book to any SENCO, teacher, head teacher, member of support staff, or anyone interested in improving outcomes for our most vulnerable; easy to read and understand, the distillation of what can be extremely complex into clear and explicit areas is a real breath of fresh air in the dense fog of political change.