Well then, technically the first week of the holidays; I say technically, as I’ve still been busy!

As I was collecting my paper from the local shop this morning, the lady said: "A bit later for the paper today!" She lives opposite me and knows that I usually leave the house at 06:30 and go straight to the shop for a paper. She seems happy for me that at 08:30 I’ve had a lie in. So am I!

I replied: "The holidays still involve a lot of work for me, its just that I have more say in what I do and when!" She found this amusing…and thinking about it, so did I!

Even during the strike for UNISON members in the last week of term, my days were unaffected.  I still had meetings arranged, people to visit, etc…despite the fact there were no children at school!

I think as SENCos we sign up to teacher’s terms and conditions, but work a more conventional administration role.

How many SENCos work during the holidays? How many of us meet colleagues for working lunches and ‘pop into school’, when no-one else is around?

Lots of us, I venture.

I went into school to pick up a lot of paperwork, check on the new appointment letters and confirm a lunch meeting with our returning educational psychologist. She’s been on maternity leave and so much has changed, school-wise and with respect to how we support students, that I need to get her up to date.

I’ve also been trying to arrange meetings with LA Education Office with regard to some building work, but no joy…I’ll be on that one next week.

Meanwhile, at home, I’m spending a few days fitting a new floor in my extension. There is a life after school; isn’t there?

Towards the end of another ‘SENCo Year’, I always try to reflect. But with only a few days to go until the end of term, I am realising I’m too tired even to do that!

Nervous pressures, lack of sleep, an over-whelming desire to do right by EVERYBODY, all the time…well, we all know how it feels.

To be honest it has really taken its toll.

I have never done anything half-heartedly; I truly subscribe to the ‘if it’s worth doing its worth doing well’ sentiment! Sometimes, though, maybe we SENCos need to take a little step back from the pressure.

I’m not sure I’m doing that very well at that at the moment.

I need time to reflect, and time to do so with the purpose, drive and passion I have for the job…but that time isn’t now!

I look forward to the opportunity, hopefully in the very near future, when my energy, enthusiasm and passion returns to full strength…watch this space!

Another hectic day. Who ever said that after year 11 leave, we have more time? 

I was feeling really tired this morning, after supporting the parent of a friend on the phone last night with her SENDIST* appeal.

The first consultation usually lasts for 25 mins or so. I rang and left message at half eight. They called back shortly after half nine! A touch late for my liking, but we wouldn’t be in the job if we weren’t passionate about equality, inclusion and a more level playing field (if you pardon the sporting analogy).

I completed the ‘summary of advice’ sheet about half ten, then spent a few minutes catching a particularly offensive episode of Family Guy, before bed…not the best ‘chill down’ ever, so no wonder I am tired!

Meetings
This morning I had a meeting with a parent at 8am. I always put the more difficult parents/carers** early in the morning – something I learned early on in my SENCo-ship. Early morning encounters often cut to the chase and limit potentially lengthy diatribes and rants…a tip for all new SENCos out there.

The meeting went without a hitch – one thing I am really good at is dealing face-to-face with parents/carers and addressing the ‘hard issues’. In the end the parent mainly required reassurance and explanation.

Mid-morning I met the school architects with the business manager and one of the deputies. I need to ensure my new build, additional ramps, accessible modifications and smaller jobs from a DDA survey are all going to be done. It’s up to me as SENCo to drive this forward..and I always love to share my views!

*Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal

**Difficult defined in the sense of more work needed to explain things and their expectations being slightly unrealistic.