SENCO Self-Audit Tool - Free SEN Resource

The SENCO Self-Audit Tool is a comprehensive self-evaluation resource designed to help Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) in English schools assess and strengthen their professional practice. Spanning 38 pages, the tool covers six core practice areas - EHCP Processes, Staff Training & CPD, Provision Mapping, Parent & Carer Engagement, Record-Keeping, and Whole-School SEND Strategy - alongside a Master Action Plan to consolidate priorities. Each section uses a RAG (Red-Amber-Green) rating system, allowing SENCOs to honestly self-assess where their practice stands, from areas not yet in place through to those securely embedded with strong evidence. The tool is fully aligned to the SEND Code of Practice 2015, the Children and Families Act 2014, the Equality Act 2010, and the NPQ SENCO Framework introduced in September 2024. It includes statutory references for every checklist item, practical worksheets, and structured reflection prompts throughout.

This resource is designed for SENCOs at all career stages in mainstream and special schools across England - whether newly appointed and working towards the NPQ SENCO qualification, or experienced practitioners seeking a structured annual review of their practice. It is equally valuable for SENCO line managers, SEN Governors, and school leaders who want to support rigorous, evidence-based appraisal of their school's SEND provision. The tool is suitable for use in primary, secondary, and all-through schools.

The SENCO Self-Audit Tool is designed for two complementary purposes: CPD and appraisal. For CPD, SENCOs complete the RAG ratings for each of the 50+ checklist statements, add evidence notes, engage with the reflection prompts, and transfer any RED or AMBER actions into the section action plans and the overarching Master Action Plan. For appraisal, the completed audit is shared with a line manager in advance, used as the basis for professional dialogue, and revisited at mid-year and end-of-year review points. Crucially, the tool encourages honest self-reflection - a RED rating is framed as a starting point for growth, not a judgement. Keeping a dated copy each time the audit is completed builds a powerful portfolio of professional development evidence over time.