Research 

SEND Leadership Model

Our intent is to use this space to space the research undertaken by Dr Anita Devi in her PhD - from initial teacher training to progressive #SEND_LEADER
Identity

How do SENCOs / SEND leaders define their identity? What impact does this have on their work and role satisfaction?

Agency

What agency do SENCOs / SEND leaders leverage in-house and externally? What could be different?

Interaction

How do SENCOs build teams? Who are they connecting and interacting with most? What needs to change?

Being, Enabling & Doing Model of a SEND Leader

SEND Leader Triad

For far too long, the SENCO / SEND Leader role has focused solely on doing.  However, what we do for others and ourselves first and foremost emerges from who we are - our 'identity'.  Our next priority is 'agency' and enabling others on our team. Finally, doing needs to ensure not just that we are modelling, but that there is efficiency, effectiveness and economy.  Some may argue that the doing comes before enabling. Enabling is distinct and vital for whole setting engagement. A big part of doing is extending those enabled through monitoring and best practice research. 

This is the B|E|D model of a SEND Leader.

BED implies rest, as Dr Anita Devi repeatedly shares: working from rest and not to rest, that's we retain and support wellbeing.

  • Being is about who you are - values, character, purpose, skills, knowledge and vision. 
  • Enabling is about shaping and nurturing others to be the best of who they are.
  • Doing is about minimal input to maximize impact through motioning and renewing practice from feedback and research. It's about collective and collaborative action.

Choices

At the heart of relationship is intentional communication and choice.  It is all too easy to suggest, "I'll just get on with it".  This may appear to be a quicker approach, but in the long run, it doesn't help to build teams.  A directing style of leadership widens the team input, but doesn't contribute to sustainability and innovation.  Inquiry leading to an interconnected flow dialogue is vital to ensure all take responsibility (i.e. there is collective accountability) and increased effectiveness through innovation.  


  • Is leading cultural shift easy? No and nor can it be achieved through paperwork.  
  • Is it worth the time and relationship investment? Yes, building relationships and teams strengthens the inclusive offer for learners.
  • Does collective accountability reduce everyone's workload and increase impact? Yes.  This is where establishing robust systems matters more than structures.