SENCo Interview Questions and Answers

Louise Petty

September 24, 2025

5 min read

A Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) leads on inclusion, coordinates provision for students who need it and works closely with staff, families and external agencies. Preparing thoroughly for a SENCo interview is essential, as the role demands both leadership and practical knowledge. This article will guide you through some common interview questions for a SENCo role with example answers to help you demonstrate your experience with confidence.

SENCo Interview Questions About your Experience and Skills

Interviewers want to know not only what you have achieved but also the qualities you’ll bring to the role of SENCo. They want to know more about your ability to manage people, influence school culture and demonstrate the soft skills needed to build trust with both students and staff. Example questions and answers about experience and skills include:

Why do you want to be a SENCo?
Example answer: “I have always been committed to inclusive practice and supporting students with additional needs. Over the years I have developed strong skills in tailoring learning, working with families and leading on strategies that make a real difference. Becoming a SENCo allows me to bring these experiences together and ensure SEND provision is consistently high quality across the school.”

What is your vision for SEND provision in our school?
Example answer: “My vision is that every student, regardless of need, is valued and supported to achieve their potential. This means embedding inclusive teaching into everyday practice, equipping staff with the right training and ensuring families feel listened to and involved.”

What experience do you have in managing and deploying support staff?
Example answer: “In my current role, I manage a team of teaching assistants. I use their strengths to allocate them effectively, provide regular opportunities for professional development and ensure they understand the impact of their work on students’ outcomes.”

How would you champion an inclusive school culture?
Example answer: “I believe inclusivity is the responsibility of the whole school. I would model best practice, lead staff training and celebrate successes in SEND provision so that inclusion is part of the ethos of the school.”

SENCo Interview Questions About Legislation and Practice

Strong knowledge of the UK’s safeguarding legislation is essential for any SENCo. Interviewers will want to see that you understand the SEND Code of Practice and how to apply it in a school context. Example questions and answers about legislation and practice include:

How would you ensure the school is compliant with the SEND Code of Practice?
Example answer: “I would review current policies, ensure staff are familiar with their responsibilities and work closely with senior leadership to embed compliance into daily practice. Regular audits and feedback from parents would also help us monitor provision.”

Explain the graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review). How have you used it?
Example answer: “I have applied the graduated approach by working with teachers to identify needs, creating targeted interventions, reviewing progress with measurable outcomes and adapting provision where necessary. This ensures students receive tailored and flexible support.”

What is your understanding of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and the process involved?
Example answer: “An EHCP sets out the long-term support a child with significant needs requires. I understand the importance of high-quality evidence when requesting an assessment, the statutory timelines involved and the responsibility to review EHCPs annually with input from parents and professionals.”

Want to Learn More?

Our online Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the Classroom course was created in collaboration with a SEND expert and contains essential knowledge for SENCos, teachers and teaching assistants.

Scenario-Based and Safeguarding SENCo Interview Questions

These questions test how you handle complex or sensitive situations. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps structure your response clearly. Example questions and answers based on safeguarding scenarios include:

How would you respond if a parent disagreed with the support their child was receiving?
Example answer: “I would arrange a meeting to listen to their concerns, share the evidence we have gathered and work collaboratively to adjust provision if needed. The key is to maintain open communication and focus on the child’s best interests.”

What would you do if you suspected a safeguarding issue linked to a child with SEND?
Example answer: “Safeguarding always comes first. I would follow school policy, record the concern accurately and report it immediately to the designated safeguarding lead. I would also consider whether additional support or adjustments were needed for the child’s circumstances.”

How would you handle a situation where teaching staff were reluctant to adapt their practice to support SEND students?
Example answer: “I would approach the situation by first understanding the teacher’s perspective and any challenges they face. Then I would provide practical strategies, offer training if needed and demonstrate the positive impact inclusive practice can have. By focusing on collaboration rather than criticism, I would aim to build confidence and secure staff buy-in.”

SENCo Interview Tasks

Some interviews may include practical tasks designed to assess your knowledge and problem-solving skills. These tasks test your ability to apply knowledge under pressure and communicate ideas effectively.

Some examples of SENCo interview tasks are:

Analysing anonymised student data and suggesting interventions.
Delivering a short presentation on your vision for SEND in the school.
Writing a sample action plan for improving provision.
Reviewing a case study of a child with additional needs and recommending next steps.
Leading a short role-play exercise involving staff or parents to demonstrate communication and leadership skills.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer During a SENCo Interview

Asking thoughtful questions shows you are invested in the role and keen to understand how the school supports SEND provision. 10 questions to consider asking are:

What are the current strengths and challenges in SEND provision at your school?
How does the school engage with parents and carers of children with SEND?
What opportunities for professional development are available for SENCos and support staff?
How does the SENCo role fit into the wider senior leadership team?
How are pupils with SEND supported during key transitions (e.g. from primary to secondary, or between year groups)?
What systems are in place for identifying and assessing pupils with additional needs?
How does the school ensure high-quality teaching for pupils with SEND across all subject areas?
What external agencies or specialists does the school work with to support children with complex needs?
How is the impact of SEND interventions monitored and evaluated?
What are the school’s current priorities for developing SEND provision over the next few years?

Preparing well for a SENCo interview means more than rehearsing answers. It requires reflecting on your values, understanding the legal framework and being able to apply your experience to practical scenarios. Your aim is to demonstrate that you are ready to lead on SEND provision and create a positive, inclusive environment for all students.