J. Except. People 2021, 10(1):23-42

The Influences on the English mainstream primary school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in a quasi-market led national educational system

Andrew Smith
The University of Northampton, Waterside, University Drive, Northampton, NN1 5PH, United Kingdom

This paper reflects on the role of the English primary school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) through a political perspective which explores how SENCOs function in their schools within an increasingly market-led Education system with its high-stakes national assessment regime and the growth of Academies and Free Schools which sit outside of Local Authority responsibility and influence. The concepts of 'performativity', 'control' and the SENCO as 'leader' are discussed.

Keywords: Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), primary school, quasi-marketplace, performativity, leadership

Published: June 11, 2021  Show citation

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Smith, A. (2021). The Influences on the English mainstream primary school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in a quasi-market led national educational system. Journal of Exceptional People, 10(18), 23-42
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