By Collette Drifte
(Sage, 16.99, 1412910269, 020 7324 8600)
Reviewed by Janice McKinley, area SENCO, Bradford Early Years and Childcare Service This book was written in response to Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators asking, 'I've never done this before - is there a manual or guidebook in "easyspeak" I can get hold of?'
The seven chapters explore areas of the SENCO role in detail - planning the year, policy and practice, supporting colleagues, supporting the children, effective record-keeping, working with parents and working as a team.
There are many photocopiable resources, such as examples of individual education plans, play plans observation and record sheets. But some of the language used is inappropriate if practitioners are going to use these pages for training, particularly using the 'normal' when commenting on children's development or behaviour.
I was pleased to read the section that highlights the difference between integration and inclusion and the importance of supporting colleagues to become more inclusive practitioners. It is a pity readers are directed for further reading to the Index for Inclusion in schools rather than the Index for Inclusion in early years and childcare. Nevertheless, it's a useful book for SENCOs, early years practitioners and students.
