It is statutory for all new SENCos working in maintained, mainstream schools (including Academies) to attend and complete the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination within three years of taking up their post.  This course addresses the specific development needs of staff who are working as a SENCo within that three year window, or who are experience teachers who aspire to that role. Participants come from a range of settings including primary, special and secondary schools

8 top reasons to study SENCO here…

Professional links:Sessions on the module will be taken by teachers and senior leaders from outstanding-rated partnership SEND schools.

Grow personally and professionally: Develop and demonstrate the personal and professional qualities and leadership you need to shape an ethos and culture based upon person-centred and inclusive practice.

Work-based placements: You’ll already be working in a school – and applying your course learning to your role.  However, there may be the possibility of additional visits to SEND schools to broaden your teaching experience.

Academic progression:Graduates of the PgCert SENCO can progress on to the MA in Education (Special Education Needs and Disability).

Flexible teaching: The course is taught through lectures, discussions, workshops, video presentations and blended learning methods.

Experienced teachers: all academics are ex-teachers and have years of experience in the education industry

Global perspective: Be part of an academic community dedicated to social justice and global responsibility – with inspiring schedule of guest speakers, events, volunteering opportunities and exchange of ideas.

Evening classes:Suitable for people already in work and looking to enhance their CV and expertise, this course is offered through evening classes.

This course covers…

The course enables you to demonstrate the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to meet National College for Teaching and Leadership’s (NCTL) learning outcomes for the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination. The NCTL stipulate particular outcomes in terms of:

1. Professional skills, knowledge and understanding: including an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the legislative context for SEN and theoretical concepts that underpin effective leadership and practice. To be informed by current practice, scholarship and research, and a critical awareness of current issues and developments in the subject and the profession;
2. Professional development: including the expertise and capabilities that SENCOs need to lead and coordinate provision effectively.
3. Professional values: including the personal and professional qualities that SENCOs need to make a positive impact on the ethos and culture in schools and other settings.

And, you’ll you’ll also be expected to engage critically and reflectively with the research and theory in the area of inclusion and SEND.

*This course is subject to validation