What to Ask at a SENCO Meeting: A Calderdale Parent Guide

If you've got a SENCO meeting coming up, you might be carrying a lot into that room. Notes on your phone. Worries from the school run. A feeling that you need to get this right.

This guide is for parents and carers in Halifax and across Calderdale who want to walk in prepared and walk out knowing what happens next. It isn't legal advice. It's a plain-English starting point, with links to the official guidance if you want to read more.

What is a SENCO?

SENCO stands for special educational needs co-ordinator. Every mainstream school in England must have one, and they must be a qualified teacher who works at the school (SEND Code of Practice, paragraphs 6.84 to 6.85). The SENCO looks after the day-to-day running of the school's SEN policy and co-ordinates support for children with special educational needs. Most nurseries and pre-schools have one too, often called the setting SENCO.

If you think your child needs more help at school, GOV.UK says to talk to the class teacher or the SENCO.

What does a SENCO meeting usually cover?

When a child gets SEN support, the school works in a cycle: assess, plan, do and review. The Code of Practice calls this the graduated approach. In plain terms, the school looks at what your child needs, agrees what help to put in place, tries it, and then checks whether it's working.

Your meeting is usually part of that cycle. The Code says schools should meet parents of children on SEN support at least three times each year. It also says these meetings should allow enough time to hear your views, and that your child's views should be included too (paragraphs 6.65 to 6.70).

Before the meeting: get your thoughts in one place

Tired brains forget things. That's not a failing. It's what happens when you're carrying a lot. A little preparation helps.

Write down what you see at home. Not a label, just what happens. For example, "needs an hour alone after school before talking", or "won't eat lunch in the hall".
Note what helps. You know your child better than anyone. If a quiet start to the day or a picture timetable works at home, say so.
Ask your child what they think, if they can share it. A drawing, a few words or a thumbs up or down all count.
Pick your top three worries. You might not get through everything, so start with what matters most.
Ask if you can bring someone. A partner, grandparent or friend can take notes while you talk.

Our free Meeting the SENCO tool walks you through this. What you type stays on your device, and you can download a PDF to take with you.

Questions to ask at a SENCO meeting

Pick the ones that fit your child. There's no need to ask them all.

About your child's needs

What are you noticing in school? Is it the same as what we see at home?
Which parts of the day seem hardest? Which seem to go well?
Has anyone else, like a specialist, been asked to look at my child's needs? If not, is that something you'd consider?

About the support

What support will my child get, and who will give it?
How often will it happen, and for how long?
What will be different for my child day to day?
What can we do at home that matches what you're doing in school?

About checking progress

What are we hoping will change, and how will we know?
When will we meet again to review it?
How will you let me know if something isn't working before then?

About the school

Where can I read the school's SEN information report? State schools must publish this on their website, and it includes how they involve parents (Code of Practice, paragraph 6.79).
Who is my main contact day to day: you, the class teacher, or someone else?

If you're also choosing a school, our Looking Around a School tool has ten quick questions for open days and tours.

After the meeting: get it in writing

This is the step lots of us skip, because we're relieved it's over. But it's often the one that helps most.

The Code of Practice says a record of what was agreed should be kept and given to parents (paragraph 6.71). If you haven't had one, it's fine to ask for it.

You can also send a short, friendly email the same day. Something like: "Thanks for meeting today. To check I've understood, we agreed..." Then list the support, who is doing it and the review date. It means everyone is working from the same picture.

The Meeting the SENCO tool can help you note what was agreed and draft that follow-up email.

If you feel stuck

Sometimes the meeting goes well. Sometimes it doesn't, and you come away unsure or upset. Both are normal.

If you'd like impartial advice, Calderdale SENDIASS gives free, confidential information, advice and support to parents of children with SEND. The Calderdale SEND Local Offer lists the support, services and activities available locally.

If the school has taken action and your child still isn't making the progress expected, the Code of Practice says the school or parents should consider asking for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment (paragraph 6.63). GOV.UK explains EHC plans and how to ask for one.

You may also have heard about changes to the SEND system. The government consulted on SEND reforms earlier in 2026, and the current Code of Practice still applies while those plans are worked through. One change is already under way: all mainstream schools must publish an inclusion strategy by 31 December 2026 (Department for Education factsheet). It's worth asking your SENCO when theirs will be ready.

Talking it through with other parents

Sometimes what helps most is a cup of tea with someone who has been there. Our free SEND Family Drop-In runs in Halifax alongside our free sensory sessions, on the 1st to 4th Friday of every month. It's a relaxed space for parents, carers and grandparents to ask questions, swap notes after a tricky meeting, or just sit quietly with people who get it.

Your next step

Before your next SENCO meeting, open our free Meeting the SENCO tool. It takes a few minutes, it's private, and you'll walk in with your thoughts in one place.

Use the free Meeting the SENCO tool

Frequently asked questions

How often should school meet me about my child's SEN support?

The SEND Code of Practice says schools should meet parents of children on SEN support at least three times each year, to set outcomes and review progress. These meetings are often led by the class teacher, supported by the SENCO. (SEND Code of Practice, paragraphs 6.65 and 6.67)

Can I bring someone with me to a SENCO meeting?

Many parents bring a partner, relative or friend to take notes, so it's worth asking the school beforehand. If you'd like impartial support, Calderdale SENDIASS offers free, confidential information and advice, and casework and representation when needed.

What if I don't agree with what the school suggests?

It's okay to say so. Ask what the plan is based on, what will be reviewed and when, and ask for what was agreed in writing. For impartial advice on your options, contact Calderdale SENDIASS or look at the Calderdale SEND Local Offer.