Lauren Mackenzie is the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) and Inclusion Lead at Wainscott Primary School and a valued part of The Primary First Trust team. Lauren has worked at Wainscott for nine years and has been a teacher for fourteen.

Please tell me a bit about your role at Wainscott?

“I started as the SENCo this September and am responsible for coordinating, planning, and assessing the education and progress of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

“I work with two other experienced members of staff and together, we make the inclusion team who organise the SEND provision. We ensure that there are the correct resources in the classroom and that teachers are supported to teach children with SEND.

“One of the most important elements of my role is to support teachers with delivering pupils’ Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). For every child with an EHCP, we make sure that the support provided will help with their identified needs and that their targets are suitable. We also work with external speech and language therapists to coordinate appointments and monitor pupils’ progress.”

How long have you been working in education and what made you decide to enter the sector?

“I qualified as a teacher in 2009 and have been working in education for fourteen years. Growing up, my mum was a teacher for children with SEND and my grandfather was also a teacher. I saw every day how fulfilling my mum found the job and she was very encouraging of me to move into the sector.

“So, before university, I took a gap year and worked in a special needs setting. This was very important for my personal development and understanding of the support that children with SEND require. Whilst I was at university, I did supply work that confirmed to me that I wanted to work in the education sector and with children with SEND.”

As a SENCo, what are the most enjoyable elements of your job?

“I love working with the children. I enjoy supporting them, both as a classroom teacher and as the SENDCo. I get the opportunity to talk to them every day and improve their school life, it is exceptionally rewarding, and I feel privileged to be able to do so.

“In this new role, I have more space to prioritise guiding teachers in their approach to teaching children with SEND. Coordinating the teaching and learning between teacher and pupil is very fulfilling as you can chart the progress you make with both teacher and pupil.”

What are the most challenging elements of your job?

“Every day is very different, and you can’t always follow your plan. The role requires flexibility and adaptability because you face different problems that need addressing there and then.”

How are you supported in your role to deal with these challenges?

“Wainscott Primary has such a friendly and open environment; I can speak to anybody. Our Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher are always available to talk, as well as other members of the Senior Leadership Team who I regularly go to for advice. I work closely with two colleagues, and we work well dealing with any issues we may face, we are a proper team.”

How does The Primary First Trust support your professional development?

“The Primary First Trust provides both professional development through training and financing qualifications, and through the network of teachers that are connected via the Trust. We have The Primary First Trust ‘staff days’ where we come together to share best practice, which provides an opportunity to reach out and speak to other schoolteachers.

“This is incredibly valuable as you can see how different schools have different approaches that you can learn from. It is nice to feel part of a wider school community and to have the opportunity to get together.

“I have also been fortunate to have The Primary First Trust pay for a university course I am currently completing at Canterbury Christ Church University, to become a qualified SENCo. The course, ‘The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination’ is a master’s level, part-time course. Finally, as I am new to the leadership role, they have put me on a leadership pathway. I am both nervous and excited about it.”

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into primary education, and specifically work with children with SEND?

“My top advice would be to gain experience, so you know that you want to work in education. It also helps you understand how schools and children work. It is also important to develop a good support network, both in and out of school.

“Finally, I would say enjoy being a classroom teacher for as long as possible before you step into a leadership role. All of the experience you gain in the classroom will help you be an even better leader.”