Special needs
19 Jun 2025
SEN Coordinator (Special Educational Needs)
Under the authority of the Headteacher, the SEN Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting and including pupils who require specific assistance. Their mission is to acknowledge individual differences and provide tailored support to students and their families throughout their schooling.
Emilie Gingaud is the SEN Coordinator (Special Educational Needs)
Key Responsibilities of the SEN Coordinator
1. Identifying and Monitoring Pupils
- Work with teachers to identify pupils with special educational needs (learning difficulties, dys disorders, high potential, disabilities, etc.).
- Coordinate assessments and evaluations in collaboration with teaching staff and families.
- Ensure the implementation and monitoring of appropriate support measures (PAI, PAP, PPRE, PPS, or other specific adaptations).
2. Coordination with Teaching Teams and Families
- Work closely with teachers to adapt teaching practices according to pupils’ needs.
- Act as a communication link between families and the school, ensuring clear and supportive dialogue.
- Organise and lead educational team meetings to adjust support measures and propose tailored solutions.
3. Implementing Appropriate Educational Actions
- Suggest and facilitate pedagogical adjustments to promote pupils’ academic success.
- Support teachers by providing guidance and resources for inclusive education.
- Facilitate access to specialised professionals (speech therapists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, etc.), based on available local resources.
4. Liaising with Local and French Institutions
- Collaborate with specialist services in different London Boroughs (EHC Plan) to secure support for both pupils and teachers.
- Ensure consistency between French support schemes and local regulations.
- Manage MDPH applications in coordination with the French Consulate and AEFE to obtain appropriate support for pupils.
Role Adaptation in an International Context
The SEN Coordinator's responsibilities are similar to those of their counterparts in France, with certain adaptations to fit the international setting:
- Consideration of local constraints (availability of healthcare professionals, legislative differences regarding inclusion and disabilities).
- Adaptation to the linguistic and cultural diversity of pupils and families.
- Establishing a network with other French schools abroad to share best practices and resources.
A Role Focused on the Well-being of Pupils
The primary objective of the SEN Coordinator is to support inclusion and ensure the well-being of all pupils facing difficulties. If a child's integration within the school becomes a source of distress, the coordinator's role is to guide parents in finding a more suitable educational environment.
Additionally, the coordinator observes prospective pupils in their current setting (school, nursery) to assess whether the institution can provide them with an optimal learning environment.
The SEN Coordinator is thus a key figure in inclusive education, ensuring that every pupil receives the appropriate support needed to thrive academically and personally.