Exploring the strategic nature of the SENCo's role and the management of education and health care plans since the Covid‐19 pandemic

Abstract This research identifies new approaches to education health and care plan (EHCP) provision since the start of the Covid‐19 (C‐19) pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021). This qualitative research was conducted after the C‐19 pandemic and used online questionnaires to identify the perceptions of 64 SENCos recruited from mainstream primary and secondary schools across southeast London and Essex in England. Thirteen of the 64 participants then consented to be interviewed. The findings show that where SENCos had the autonomy to act strategically, they could enact change for pupils with EHCPs as well as SEND. Furthermore, aspects of practice relating to staff SEND knowledge and understanding of SEND provision were enhanced during the pandemic, as was the SENCo's ability to adapt and allocate resources effectively.