About SENDCO Solutions
Making SEN Make SENSE
Our mission is to empower educators, SENCOs, and schools by providing expert SEN consultancy, cutting-edge CPD training, and bespoke support solutions. We strive to create inclusive educational environments where every child can thrive, guided by our core values of strategic planning, professional integrity, and loyalty to the SEN community.
Our Mission
Our Story
SENDCO Solutions was born from Abigail Hawkins’ personal challenges and frustrations as a SENCO. Confronted with limited resources, lack of support, and a pressing need for accessible SEN advice, Abigail envisioned a service that would fill this critical gap. From its early days as Hawkins SEN Consultancy to the thriving community and resource hub it is today, SENDCO Solutions and SENsible SENCO have become beacons of hope and innovation in the SEN field.
How Did We Get Here?
Just take a look at some of the things we’ve done.
In the Beginning
Abigail has worked through all phases of education, training initally as a science teacher, she went into primary, FE and then Secondary. In 2016 she took "voluntary redundancy" from a school in Nottingham.
SEN Consultancy - Edukey
In 2016 Abigail became the SEN Consultant for Edukey, now Provision Map. Creating the majority of the provisions within the system and censor checking compliance with the SEN Code of Practice. To start with she was paid in Amazon vouchers.
Hawkins SEN Consultancy
Whilst Abigail continued with Edukey, and still works with TES who now own Provision Map, it was time to start her own venture. Hawkins SEN Consultancy, this name was swiftly changed to SENDCO Solutions.
First Book Published
In 2018 Abigail published her first book, Approach it, Map it, Manage it. A book that we still sell today on our bookshop within SENsible SENCO. Other books where published as well, including Exclusions - A Parents Guide, The SENDCO - a series of books around being a SENCO. Abigail hopes to work on more books in the future.
YouTube - The SENsible SENCO
In 2019 Abigail started a YouTube channel, dedicated to helping SENCOs in role understand the fundimentals of being a SENCO. For over a year Abigail produced weekly videos on different subjects in an informal discussion approach with Gavin, her husband supporting.
The Facebook Group - SENsible SENCO
Just before COVID we created a Facebook group for SENCOs to join and have a virtual hug, being a SENCO can be a very lonely role and creating the group gave a glimmer of hope to many that there is support out there. As COVID took hold the group went from 600 members to 6000 within a year, and now in 2024 sits at over 12,000 SENCOs and SEN professionals.
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships
In 2021 Abigail was approached by United Learning to develop a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, something she now leads on having had 6 cohorts and 100's of TAs go through the scheme.
SENsible SENCO becomes a CiC
In 2022 we decided we wanted to give more back to the community of SENCOs we supported and changed SENSible SENCO from a limited company to a Community Interest Company, it now distributes all it's profits back into the community in the form of give aways and free sessions.
Educational Partners
With the success of Edukey, in 2023 we decided to open our doors to the Ed-Tech world and support them with the development of products and services. Since then we've been joined by the likes of B Squared, Texthelp and many others supporting SEN professionals across the world.
First Conference - SENsible24
With the growth of SENsible SENCO, SENDCO Solutions took a bit of a backseat. In February 2024 we ran our first every conference for SENCOs, SENsible24, this conference was hugely successful and we look forward to running SENsible25 in Feb 2025.
Meet the Team
We have partnerships with many individuals including specialists and can facilitate any training you may need
Abigail Hawkins FCCT
Abigail is the educational side of SENDCO Solutions her knowledge and expertise have been used time and time again by many local authorities, schools and SENCOs.
Gavin Hawkins
Gavin holds the fort with the tech side, using innovative technology to facilitate the many different way SENDCO Solutions and SENsible SENCO can help support the SEN community. Whilst not a SENCO, he has been beside Abigail for over 20 years and learnt a fair bit on the role.
Why Choose SENDCO Solutions?
There are many reasons to choose us for your SEN project, here’s just a few.
Unparalleled Expertise
Led by Abigail Hawkins, a renowned SENCO with over 25 years of experience, our team embodies a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of SEN. Our expertise is not just theoretical; it's built on decades of hands-on experience across various educational settings.
Personalised SEN Solutions
We believe in a tailored approach to SEN support. Recognizing that each school and child's needs are unique, we customise our services to offer the most effective strategies and solutions, ensuring impactful results.
Comprehesive Support
From Whole School SEN Reviews to individualised consultancy and CPD training, our range of services covers every aspect of SEN provision. We're your one-stop shop for all things SEN, providing support that's as comprehensive as it is high quality.
Proven Impact
Our methodologies are proven. Through our extensive work with schools, educators, and SENCOs, we've made significant, measurable improvements in SEN provision and outcomes. Our success stories and testimonials speak to the positive changes we've facilitated.
Active Community Engagement
At SENDCO Solutions, we're more than just a consultancy; we're a community. Through SENsible SENCO, we've built one of the most active and supportive online communities for SEN professionals, fostering an environment of sharing, learning, and growing together.
Innovative Resources
We continually develop and share innovative resources, tools, and strategies to keep you ahead in SEN education. Our commitment to innovation ensures you have access to the latest research, trends, and best practices.
Strategic Partnerships
Our collaboration with educational and SEN-focused organisations broadens the spectrum of support and resources available to our clients. We're constantly seeking out new partnerships to bring additional value to our services.
Dedication to Inclusivity
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We're dedicated to creating learning environments where every child can thrive, championing policies and practices that promote inclusivity and equality.
Flexiblity and Accessibility
Understanding the demanding nature of educational environments, we offer flexible and accessible support to fit your schedule and needs. Whether you need in-person consultancy, online training, or resources at the click of a button, we're here for you.
Commitment to Excellence
Our drive for excellence is unmatched. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all aspects of our work, from the consultancy services we provide to the ongoing support and resources we offer our community.