A Bexley special educational needs coordinator has been shortlisted for a national award recognising her outstanding work supporting children with additional needs.
Lilli Sargent, who works as a SENCo in the London Borough of Bexley, has been nominated for SENCo of the Year — a national childcare award celebrating the professionals going above and beyond for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Recognised for fantastic efforts
The nomination recognises Sargent’s dedication to ensuring children with SEND get the support they need to thrive. SENCos play a crucial role in schools and early-years settings, coordinating support plans, working with families and liaising with health professionals and local authorities.
It is a demanding role that requires patience, expertise and genuine care — qualities the award seeks to celebrate. Being shortlisted puts Sargent among the very best practitioners in the country.
What the award means
The SENCo of the Year award forms part of the national childcare awards, which shine a light on the early-years and education professionals who make a real difference to children’s lives. Categories cover everyone from nursery practitioners to childminders and specialist coordinators.
For Bexley, the shortlisting is a proud moment. The borough has been working to strengthen its SEND provision, and having one of its own recognised nationally reflects well on the teams supporting families across the area.
Supporting children with additional needs
Children with special educational needs and disabilities often require tailored support to access learning alongside their peers. SENCos are the linchpin of that support — assessing needs, putting plans in place and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
The role has grown in importance as awareness of neurodiversity and additional needs has increased, with more families seeking help and more settings working to become genuinely inclusive.
The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at a ceremony celebrating the very best of the childcare sector. Whatever the outcome, the shortlisting alone is a testament to Sargent’s impact on the children and families she supports.
London Streets wishes Lilli Sargent the very best of luck.
