National Award for SEN Coordination - Online (PG Cert)

About the Course

This Postgraduate Certificate aims to enable SENCos and aspiring SENCos to gain the confidence needed to strategically lead SEND provision in their settings. Through critical reflection, participants on the programme will consider the ways the SENCo can work with senior colleagues, governors and the wider learning community to reduce barriers to participation and learning for pupils.

- Mandatory qualification that all newly qualified SENCos must achieve within three years of appointment, when working in maintained mainstream, academy and free schools.

- Meets the requirements of the SEN Code of Practice (2015 Section 6.86).

- Provides up-to-date knowledge support for experienced SENCos and aspiring SENCos, showing a commitment to Continuing Professional Development.

- The two modules that make up the award each carry 30 Masters-level credits, which can be used towards a Masters in Education.

- Study from home with our flexible online learning, which enables you to schedule your study pattern around other obligations, providing a high quality specialist SEND education tailored to your lifestyle.

Read a NASENCo course case study to see how this course can help you in your career.

How to apply

To apply for this course, please use the PGCert National Award SEN Coordination Online Registration Form rather than the standard university application form

Accreditation

Curriculum Overview

Module 1: Professional Knowledge and Understanding of the SENCo Role

Together we will explore the legislative context for SEN, and support you in developing a working knowledge of it so you can be successful in your role as a SENCo. This will help develop your knowledge of effective leadership and practice theory, along with your understanding of, and an engagement with, current policy, legal and professional contexts. By the end of the module, you will have grown in your capacity to identify, assess and provide for children with special educational needs.

Content

• The statutory and regulatory context for SEN and disability equality, and the implications for practice in your school/work setting.
• The principles and practice of leadership in different contexts.
• How SEN and disabilities affect pupils’ participation and learning.
• Strategies for improving outcomes for pupils with SEN and/or disabilities.

Module 2: Leading and Coordinating SEND Provision

This module focuses on how effective partnerships can be created to meet the needs of children and young people and their families. Topics covered will help you identify and use the knowledge, skills and values required to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. You will explore the use of data, systems and external sources of support and their impact on your professional practice.

Content

• Work strategically with senior colleagues and governors.
• Lead, develop and, where necessary, challenge senior leaders, colleagues and governors.
• Critically evaluate evidence about learning, teaching and assessment in relation to pupils with SEN.
• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate systems.

Assessment

The NASENCo is achieved through the completion of written assignments and an e-portfolio. The e-portfolio is achieved through reflection upon your existing professional practice, existing documents that would naturally occur within your setting and reflection upon your academic assignments. 

Entry Requirements

First Class or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant discipline (applications from students who do not hold a 1st or 2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent), but have appropriate professional experience may be considered).

Open to both aspiring and experienced SENCos.

Applicants must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status or be an Early Years Teacher Status SENCo responsible for ages 0-5 only, or equivalent.

Many applicants will be required to complete an induction period (SEND Regs 2014, paragraph 49). (Induction for Early Career Teachers. England. 2021)

All applicants need approval from their Head Teacher indicating their support.

The PG Cert NASENCO reflects on the SEND Code of Practice which provides statutory guidance on duties, policies and procedures relating to Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations and applies to England. All applicants must be in a position to fully engage with the NCTL NASENCO Learning Outcomes.

International Entry Requirements

This course is only available for study within the UK.

Teaching and Research

Both modules will be delivered on a part-time basis, through fully online learning, including:

- Reflective learning that will enable you to gain knowledge and understanding of the SENCo/ Aspiring SENCo role.

- Participation in online webinars.

- Access to the extensive Liverpool Hope University Library including e-books and journal collections.

- Academic tutorial support via zoom and email.

- Online discussion forums with academics and other students

- Practice -based reflection.

- Online support from Liverpool Hope University including IT support and library support.

UK/EU Tuition Fees

Full Rate - £1,733

Graduate 600 fee* - £1,533

Partner School Rate** - £1,386

Group Discounts are also available, contact pld@hope.ac.uk for further details.

*Graduate 600 - Reduced Fee for Liverpool Hope students who have obtained a 2.1 or 1st class degree within the last 3 years.

**A Partner School is any school that has an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) partnership arrangement with Liverpool Hope University and who work with our students on providing school placements.

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

Careers

After completing the course, you will be able to apply for roles as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo).

The 60 Masters-level credits can also be used towards a Masters in Education.