Class teacher
The class teacher is the main adult for your child’s learning. They make sure all children in the class learn well, even when other staff help.
Teachers:
- set learning goals for each child
- notice when a child is finding things hard
- try different ways to teach
- manage the class
- work with teaching assistants to plan support and review how it is working
Teaching Assistant
A teaching assistant works with the class teacher. They help all children in class, in small groups, or one‑to‑one.
Some children with SEND may have a teaching assistant for part of the day, based on their needs in their plan.
Teaching assistants may also be called Learning Support Assistants (LSA) or Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA). Some are trained to support emotions (ELSA) or run groups like Forest School and nurture groups.
Intervention Teacher
An intervention teacher gives extra help to children who are finding learning, behaviour or friendships hard.
They may work with a small group or one child. The SENCO or headteacher decides who needs this support.
Headteacher
The headteacher leads the school. They make sure the school is ready for all children to learn, feel safe, and enjoy school.
They:
- make sure the school follows SEND laws
- help staff spot children who need support
- build a kind and respectful school
- keep the school safe
- work with parents and other professionals
- make sure children get the right support
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)
The SENCO is the teacher who leads on SEND in the school. They make sure children with SEND get the help they need.
They:
- run the school’s SEND policy day-to-day
- work with the headteacher and school governors
- organise support for children with SEND
- keep the SEND register up to date
- work with families, staff and other professionals
- explain support in the Local Offer
- help children move to their next school
Most SENCOs are part of the school leadership team. In smaller schools they may be part time, or across schools. They are qualified teachers and work towards a special SENCO award if they are new to the job.
Parent and Family Support Advisors (PFSAs)
Parent and Family Support Advisors (PFSAs) support families of school-age children when things feel difficult.
They can help with:
- behaviour
- school attendance
- feelings and wellbeing
- healthy eating
- money worries
- feeling lonely
Contact your school to speak to a PFSAs.
Assessment and Reviewing Officer (ARO)
The Assessment and Reviewing Officers (AROs) and Senior Assessment and Reviewing Officers (SAROs) manage the legal process for Education, Health and Care plans (EHC plans).
They:
- make sure the council follows the rules and timescales
- gather and review information from families and professionals
- prepare information for decision‑making panels
At the start of an EHC needs assessment, you will not have an ARO yet. This stage gathers information.
If an EHC plan is agreed, an ARO will:
- be your main contact
- help write and finalise the plan
They work in:
- The SEND Assessment and Review Team – leading the statutory processes, assessments and formal decisions linked to EHC plans.
- The Virtual School – supporting children with higher levels of vulnerability, complexity or crisis so they can access education and make progress.
Educational Psychologist
An Educational Psychologist (EP or Ed Psych) helps understand how your child learns and what support they need.
They may:
- watch your child in class
- talk with them
- use activities to learn about their strengths and needs
They help with learning, communication, emotions, behaviour and more complex needs. They also support schools to improve support for all children.
Watch the video below to find out what an educational psychologist does and what to expect when your child meets with an educational psychologist.