We need to protect the people protecting inclusion!

SENCO burnout is not just anecdotal.

Lewis’s study found 84% of SENCOs described the role as moderately to extremely stressful. A national SENCO workload survey also found many work significant extra hours, with workload a key reason some plan to leave.

Research suggests SENCO burnout is a serious and systemic concern. Lewis’s mixed-methods study of SENCO wellbeing found that 84% of SENCOs described their role as moderately, very, or extremely stressful. This highlights the emotional and professional pressure attached to coordinating SEND provision in schools.

This is supported by the National SENCO Workload Survey by Curran et al., which found that many SENCOs work significant additional hours beyond their contracted time. The survey also showed that workload was a major reason why some SENCOs were considering leaving the role.

Together, these studies suggest that SENCO stress is not simply an individual wellbeing issue. It reflects wider problems around workload, role expectations, accountability, and the level of support available in schools. Protecting SENCO wellbeing is therefore essential if schools are serious about sustaining inclusive practice..

Never more reason to try our SENCo services at the busiest time of the school year!