The SEN Resources Blog

If you’re new to the SENDCo role or an experienced SENDCO looking for further reading/CPD then here are our top 5 books for SENDCos

A SENDCo or Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator is a member of staff in the school who coordinates the provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They are often also a classroom teacher and may be on the school’s Senior Leadership Team. SENDCos work closely with teachers, the leadership team, families and external agencies to ensure children and young people with SEND get the best support.

Our top 5 favourite books for SENDCos:

• The Lone SENDCO – I tell everyone who’s thinking about being a SENDCO or already is a SENDCO to buy this book. It’s like having your personal guide to the role of being a SENDCO, with everything you need to know about being a SENDCO covered in its pages. Buy it here

• Being a SENDCO – This book is wonderful. I love its informal style, it’s like having a coffee (and maybe a slice of cake!) with a really clever friend who can keep drip-feeding you information about how to be a great SENDCO whilst you chat! Ginny Bootman is passionate about the importance of effectively managing SENDCO time and building/maintaining good relationships with families. Buy it here

• The Perfect SENDCO - This has been a favourite SENDCO book of mine for a while. In fact, I wrote a whole review on this book here back in 2017 (make sure you read it!). Natalie Packer is so incredibly knowledgeable about SEND and the SENDCO role. Buy it here

• All About SEND (series of books) – I adore this range of books! They have versions for both primary and secondary teachers and are brilliant for upskilling you with more knowledge and understanding of specific SEND. Buy them here

• How to be a Brilliant SENDCO – A fantastic and incredibly useful book that covers everything from effective relationships with the families of the children with SEND at your school to the SENDCO role in policy and practice. Buy it here

I won’t put it in the ‘Top 5’ as that seems a little bit like I’m bragging and very biased!! However, I would love you to also consider my own book:

• SEND Strategies for the Primary Years – With as many as 13% of children in schools in England receiving some form of SEN support, and waiting times of up to 3-5 years for a child to receive a formal diagnosis, there is a critical need for strategies teachers can use in the classroom and parents can use at home now. My latest book, SEND Strategies for the Primary Years gives teachers (and parents!) practical strategies that they can put in place while they wait for diagnoses, assessments or support. The strategies are practical, easy to implement and resource. Relevant to children who may be impacted by a range of SEND including autism, PDA, ADHD, dyslexia, DCD, dyscalculia, sensory processing differences, speech, language and communication needs and more. Buy it here