Recent changes to education policy has created a new emphasis on promoting school-to-school support and school-led improvement, in order to ensure all pupils, including those with SEN, achieve their optimum potential. SENCOs, often in the role of Specialist Leaders of Education (SLE), now undertake coaching, mentoring and the delivery of training to ensure trainee, NQTs and experienced teachers and teaching assistants have the practical skills to effectively meet the needs of pupils with SEN, and the relationship between the SENCO and their senior management team is critical. In her trademark down-to-earth style, Rita Cheminais shows SENCOs how to respond to and enhance this exciting and pivotal new role by: Explaining the new school-to-school support and school-led improvement context that many SENCOs will be working in Clarifying the role of the outstanding SENCO, as a Specialist Leader of Education Maximising on the best practice arising from the effective use of the pupil premium and the Achievement for All initiative Confirming OFSTED's expectations for SEND in the revised inspection schedule for schools and academies Describing how best to monitor, evaluate and validate best practice in school-to-school support. Packed with time-saving, photocopiable resources, examples of best practice and further activities for reflection, this practical book will enable the SENCO to respond to the current agenda, particularly in performing the role of a Specialist Leader of Education, disseminating SEN expertise with other schools. The book will be essential reading for all outstanding and aspiring outstanding SENCOs working in the early years, primary, secondary and special phases of education, academies and Pupil Referral Units.