[senco-forum] SENCO by any other name

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

Hi Mike and everyone
  I agree about the title.  I've thought about changing the title of SENCO but I decided against it purely because the government legislation says there has to be one.  
  Amanda
  Secondary SENCO
  Cornwall

Mike Boyd <mike at green43.demon.co.uk> wrote:
  On 30/06/07 13:46, "Chris Gravell" 
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 

Amanda
Secondary SENCO
Cornwall