Think piece on parents, ‘off rolling’ and wavelength methodology: issues for SENCos

Abstract

This think piece argues for a novel qualitative methodology that permits social justice researchers, including National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) students, to highlight the profound affects of exclusionary school practices for parents of children with SEN and / or disabilities (SEND). Such children are proportionately effected by these practices. The piece was prompted by multi-strand research into ‘off rolling’ (illegal exclusionary practices) in which 53 parents described the process through which their child was removed from roll and their relationship with the school’s SENCo (SEN coordinator). A preview of the latter is given which suggests that SENCos’ capacity to influence senior leader decision-making around exclusion can be limited. A ‘wavelength methodology’ permits the highlighting of moral injury and provokes difficult questions around school policy, discriminatory practices and SENCo efficacy in minimising exclusion of students with SEND.