[senco-forum] SENCO by any other name

I agree with all the principled objections to the SEN label, but all these

I totally agree with Mike's point -  and, consider this too, if parents are
truly to be considered partners then terminology should be as  uniform as
possible.  Remove the first barrier - the jargon.

An aside:
Many years ago a parent had to see the Director of Studies about an option
change.  He asked the school secretary to speak to the "Dictator of
Studies". Very apt as it happened..

Lindsay

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk]On Behalf Of Mike Boyd
Sent: 01 July 2007 09:49
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: Re: [senco-forum] SENCO by any other name

On 30/06/07 13:46, "Chris  Gravell" <chris.gravell at green43.myzen.co.uk>
wrote:
> I agree with all the principled objections to the SEN label, but all these
> different labels can make things difficult or more obscure and confusing
> for those outside the school when approaching it for the first time
> (including parents feeling anxious about talking to teachers anyway).

> They may well have got as far as reading quick guides to SEN from the govt
> or advice orgs which say that every school should have a SENCo, and that's
> the person to talk to about your child.

> What do others think?

Amongst the suggested or actual titles mentioned in this thread are:
Learning Support;
Inclusion Managers;
Learning Access Director;
Learning Support Manager;
Access and Inclusion Manager;
Director of Curriculum Support;
Learning Differences and Disabilities Co-ordinator;
Additional Needs Coordinator (Which may be a SENCO in Scotland).

Imagine I am an anxious parent of a child having difficulties. I had read a
DfES or other parent guide describing the role of the SENCO. I call at the
school office, nervously reveal a little of my worry and ask if I could have
an appointment with the SENCO please.

Am I to be met by a baffled silence or
"Oh, do you mean the Access and Inclusion Manager? Hold on. I'll ask. Jean!
Does Peter do special needs or is he behaviour? Oh, he's low incidence now
is he? OK. So it's Glenys then, is it?"

I exaggerate a little for effect, but the euphemisms do seem to be moving
between us with ease where (to my mind) they may better enable
misunderstanding, miscommunication and segregation.

Whither inclusion eh?

Regards, Mike
--
Mike Boyd <mike at green43.demon.co.uk>