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Three and two don’t make five  

Being a new Senco and class teacher is challenging, says Martin Webster. But he’s quickly learning the ropes – and loving it!

Green Paper announces scrapping of individual education plans – great news, as I grapple with my MA course. “What’s the point of us carrying on?” fellow students say. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve started so I’ll finish!

As a new Senco last September I had no choice but to take part in this Training and Development Agency course – it was a requirement.

As a mature teacher I felt I was ready for some brain exercise. What I hadn’t bargained for was a three-day teaching load and two days as Senco – so as well as getting to know my 30 year 1 children I also had to get to know almost 200 children on the SEN register.

It’s a lot to cope with – but I love it! During break times teachers are asking my advice and parents approach me with queries. I’m always thinking about different children’s cases and worrying I’m going to miss a meeting. How many diaries do I keep?

Every break I check my email and pigeon hole because I never know what’s going to arrive. No day is the same. I got a wall planner and that makes me feel more secure about remembering important dates. A Filofax works as a business address book and paper for note taking at meetings and courses.

As the Senco course goes on I’ve networked with colleagues in the same boat and Senco meetings set up by my borough have been useful. The head of the local authority department has been really supportive, as has my educational psychologist.

What I’m learning is that no two cases are the same – but all teachers are concerned about the children in their classes and want the best for them, and so do parents.

There is a lot of talk about Sencos being part of the senior leadership team. On my course many are not – though it’s quoted in the SEN policy at my school. Another task for me to address in the new school year, I think. Meanwhile I’ll meet my deadlines and get that 5,000-word essay out of the way.

Joy of joys, I was told by my head teacher that I would be out of the classroom next year, being a full-time Senco! I’ll be a lot more experienced and comfortable in my role by then.

Martin Webster’s first career was as a chef. He has taught all age groups from nursery to year 6, including some time teaching in New York. He is studying for his MA at Roehampton University, funded by the Training and Development Agency.