National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCo)(National Award)

About the Course

The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination is a mandatory qualification for all Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) working in maintained mainstream, academy and free schools.

With opportunities to develop the skills to become a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) in your school, this course gives you the knowledge to help students with SEND explore and develop their potential.

Why do this course?

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, 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.

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

Tailored for you

The course is structured around online teaching and delivered via a choice of delivery patterns including Saturdays and weekdays, which provides a more personable style of teaching for those who work full-time.

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.

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.

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

Lecturers with expertise in Special Educational Needs and relevant SENCo experience will deliver the course, while guest speakers who are current SENCos will be able to provide current insights.

UK/EU Tuition Fees

Modules 1 & 2 – Postgraduate Certificate – National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (60 Masters-level credits)

£1733

Graduate 600*: £1,533

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

Module 1 ONLY (30 Masters-level credits)

£866

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.