Swings and Roundabouts: Trying to Navigate my Workload as a SENDCo

Working as a SENDCo is a highly rewarding yet equally challenging role. With the responsibility of supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities comes a workload that can often feel overwhelming. The phrase "swings and roundabouts" perfectly captures the experience—there are moments of success and fulfillment, balanced with periods of stress and complexity.

Much like a playground full of swings and roundabouts, my workload as a SENDCo fluctuates between the highs of making a meaningful difference in students’ lives and the lows of navigating bureaucracy, paperwork, and ever-evolving demands. The key to thriving (or sometimes just coping) in this role is learning to manage both the ups and downs effectively.

1. The Swings: Impacting Lives and Seeing Progress

One of the greatest joys of being a SENDCo is the opportunity to witness the progress of the students I support. Whether it’s seeing a child reach a milestone, securing the right support, or successfully implementing an EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan), these moments remind me why I took on the role in the first place. These are the "swings"—the times when everything aligns, and I can see the positive impact of my hard work.

How I Maximise These Highs:

- Celebrate the Wins: I aim to take time to appreciate both small and large successes. These moments matter not only for the students but also for maintaining my own morale.

- Share Success Stories: I ensure the wider school community understands the positive impact of my work. This helps raise awareness and build support for the SEND department.

- Strengthen Relationships: I use these high points to engage with parents, carers, and teachers. A strong, collaborative relationship can make all the difference in a student’s journey.

2. The Roundabouts: Managing Bureaucracy and Heavy Workload

While the wins are incredibly rewarding, my role often feels like an endless roundabout of paperwork, meetings, and administrative tasks. The constant balancing act of case management, assessments, and legal responsibilities can be overwhelming. Add to that the pressure of meeting deadlines for EHCP reviews and funding applications, and it's easy to feel like I’m stuck in a cycle.

How I Manage These Lows:

- Prioritise Tasks: With such a diverse workload, prioritization is key. I focus on the most urgent and impactful tasks, and delegate where possible.

- Lean on My Team: I remind myself that I don’t have to do everything alone. Whether it's teaching assistants, SEN teachers, or external specialists, I use the support available to me.

- Set Boundaries: I try to protect my well-being by setting boundaries around my workload. I communicate clearly about the demands of the role and advocate for realistic expectations.

3. Resilience: My Superpower as a SENDCo

As a SENDCo, resilience is my most valuable asset. The ability to navigate both the rewarding aspects of the role and the challenging demands requires a strong sense of purpose and persistence. Building resilience helps me keep pushing forward when the workload feels insurmountable and maintain a clear focus on the difference I’m making.

- Focus on the Big Picture: I keep in mind the long-term impact of my work. While the daily tasks may feel overwhelming, I remind myself of the significant role I play in shaping the lives of students.

4. Advocacy: A Balancing Act

In my role as a SENDCo, I’m not just managing workloads—I’m also an advocate for some of the most vulnerable students in my school. Advocating for adequate support, resources, and accommodations often involves navigating difficult conversations with staff, leadership, and external agencies. Advocacy can be a swing when I successfully secure the right provision for a student, but it can also feel like a roundabout when facing barriers or limited resources.

- Be Persistent: Advocacy requires perseverance. I don’t let setbacks discourage me, as persistence often leads to success.

- Use Data and Evidence: To make my case stronger, I rely on data, assessments, and legal frameworks to support my advocacy efforts.

- Stay Informed: Keeping up to date with SEND legislation, best practices, and resources allows me to advocate effectively and efficiently.

Conclusion

The role of a SENDCo is undoubtedly one of swings and roundabouts. The workload can be intense, and the challenges are real. But for every moment of frustration or stress, there is a swing—a child achieving their potential, a family expressing their gratitude, or a new strategy making a meaningful difference.

By learning to manage the workload, building resilience, and maintaining focus on the impact of my work, I can thrive in this demanding but deeply fulfilling role. I remind myself that the highs and lows are all part of the journey—and each one brings me closer to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for every student.

This all is very much a work in progress, I often struggle with many aspects. How do you manage the ups and downs of your workload as a SENDCo? Share your strategies in the comments below!