National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination

The National Award for SENCo is a mandatory award for all SENCOs new to post, and must be achieved within three years of taking up the post. The National Award for SENCo explores the key aspects of the role of the SENCo, as specified in the Learning Outcomes for National Award for Special Educational (NCTL, 2014). Current legislation and national perspectives are explored in relation to the role of the SENCo.

You’ll critically explore areas such as pupil voice and parent engagement. Alongside this, you’ll investigate the key areas relating to the strategic and leadership aspect of the role, for example finance, data, management, and the role of Ofsted.

You’ll develop skills that can immediately be put into place in your setting. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the SENCo role, and effective practice. Throughout the award, there is ample opportunity to link theory and practice through collectively exploring practical solutions to identified issues.

This course includes or offers the following modules. Please check the programme document for more information on which modules are core, required or optional.

• The SENCo as a leader: policy to practice
• The role of the SENCo - provision for SEN

The two modules are assessed through written assignments, which lead to a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Education Needs Coordination.

In addition to completing the two modules, you're required to complete a professional portfolio to achieve the National Award for SENCo.

Sessions are face-to-face and online, with input from experts in the field of SEN. In addition to this, you’ll be supported with:

• School-based mentor support throughout the year in small groups
• Writing workshops to support writing at Master’s level
• One-on-one or small group tutorials.

You'll meet with an experienced SENCo mentor four times throughout the year. The SENCo mentor will support you with the completion of the Professional Development Portfolio. You'll also have access to our Virtual Learning Environment and the online library.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

The National Award for SENCo is ideal for current teachers who are interested in working in the area of SEN. New SENCOs must achieve the National Award for SENCO within three years of appointment. Those who complete the National Award for SENCo can accredit their prior learning towards the Master’s in Inclusive Education.

The award is taught at our Newton Park campus.

You'll have access to our:

• Computing and IT facilities
• Library and online resources
• Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
• Writing and Learning Centre
• English Language Unit.

Please note: Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are not generally eligible for the UK (Home) fee status. Please refer to the international student rate. Irish citizens and those granted Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are eligible for UK (Home) fee status. There are also other circumstances where this may apply: See UKCISA for more information.

Course fees