EP : 64 SENCO Secrets: How to Stay Sane and Love Your Job

In this insightful episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Ginny Bootman, an experienced SENCO of four schools, author of Independent Thinking on Being a SENCO, and passionate advocate for keeping children at the heart of everything we do.Ginny shares her 31 years of experience in education, from class teacher to SENCO, and why relationships between SENCOs, heads, teachers, and parents are critical for reducing overwhelm and burnout.We dive deep into what it means to create supportive systems that protect everyone’s time and energy, so we can focus on what really matters: the children.In this conversation, you’ll hear about:Ginny’s personal story of burnout, teaching through COVID, and how small changes (like “Slipper Fridays”) transformed her classroom culture.Why SENCOs often feel isolated and how to build strong, trusting relationships with headteachers as “gatekeepers.”How to let go of the pressure to “know everything” and create openness with staff and parents.The power of systems from initial concern forms to termly planning meetings – to reduce firefighting and create calm.Practical tips to say “no” confidently, protect SENCO time, and decide who really needs to attend each meeting.How building human connections, valuing each adult, and having honest conversations can create the magic that helps children thrive.This episode is a must-listen for SENCOs, school leaders, and anyone supporting children with additional needs who want to work smarter, not harder, and beat burnout while making a bigger impact.Connect with Ginny:Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-bootman-0b7436184/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: www.ginnybootman.comWant to find out more about my new course 5 Minutes to Thrive? Go to my website at www.rowenahicks.comFollow me on:1. Instagram: ⁠@rowenaphicks⁠2. Facebook: ⁠Rowena Hicks⁠3. Linked In: ⁠Rowena Hicks⁠Email me: [email protected]⁠ Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: ⁠www.rowenahicks.com