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This is an exciting new development that replaces the NASENCO award. The Department for Education announced that the NASENCO qualification requirement would change to an NPQ SEN from 2024. As an alternative to the NPQ, we are offering a new course that builds upon the existing excellence that we have been delivering for over a decade. This enables SENCOs, Leaders in SEND settings, and those aspiring to develop their work in this area to progress to master’s level.
You will be guided through the course structure, design, expectations and outcomes from the outset of your studies. A key focus will be Developing Context for Inclusive Education, where students will demonstrate their professional knowledge and understanding in the legislative context for SEN, both in the UK and abroad, and will link as evidence application of theoretical concepts that underpin effective leadership and practice.
You will study the role of a SENCO as an Inclusive Leader, and you will be required to demonstrate this understanding, whilst reflecting on your expertise and the capabilities needed to lead and coordinate provision effectively. The course will also cover the Critical Professional: Life & Career of a Leader of Inclusive Education, where you will consider the personal and professional qualities needed to make a positive impact on the ethos and culture in schools and other settings.
You will learn how to integrate theory and practice to support the development of these roles and in turn, learn how to improve positive outcomes for pupils with SEND.
For the first time, this course is also available for overseas candidates who meet the entry requirements. The course lead and tutors are skilled at tailoring content to meet the needs of international colleagues, whilst also ensuring fidelity to the course programme.
Course highlights
- This is a work based, flexible and practical programme, carefully crafted to support new and aspiring Inclusive SEND Leaders into developing critical, reflective and effective practices in their role.
- We advocate inclusive practice and support SEND leaders in using critical reflection, research and tasks to improve provision and outcomes for vulnerable pupils.
- You will be taught and supported by a highly-skilled course leader and tutors who are experts in SEND provision.
- Those who successfully complete this Certificate will gain 60 Level 7 credits, and may carry 60 credits towards future study either by going on to complete the Diploma or the full master’s.
Course breakdown
The course runs from September to June, and attendance is required at four online training sessions during the academic year. There is emphasis on students being self-managed, and completing work-based reflective tasks in relation to effectiveness in the role of a SEND Leader. Termly, online support is provided from an experienced tutor.
Throughout the course duration, three units will be covered. The Professional Knowledge and Understanding unit is demonstrated through understanding the legislative context for SEND, linking evidence of application of theoretical concepts underpinning leadership and practice.
The SENCO as an Inclusive Leader – Leading and Coordinating Provision, reflects on the effectiveness of expertise and capabilities, whilst The Critical Professional SENCO – Personal and Professional Qualities, evaluates personal positive impact on the ethos and culture of their school/setting.
Teaching and assessments
All of our postgraduate courses are taught and delivered online, so no matter where you are in your teaching career, or the world, you can with one of the most established teacher training providers in the UK.
Teaching methods
This course ensures that you access to a fully online, high-quality and interactive programme delivered by SEND experts and specialists. Course delivery is through a combination of seminars and tutorials, enriched with insights from SEND experts.
Throughout the first module you will receive support from your SENCO tutor, and then in years two and three you will be assigned a supervisor who will support you through the assignments. You will receive a week-by-week guide which will cover a range of different teaching methods including webinars, films, readings and independent study. Trainees will meet virtually with their supervisor and engage in reflective tasks to support understanding and application of the most effective and inclusive practice as a SENCO. You will be fully supported to develop your writing at Level 7 (Masters) standard, and will receive training both in theory, developing practice and developing Leadership.
Assessment methods
You will complete master’s level assessments and professional reviews, all of which can be completed through distance learning, and is supported by online resources via the University’s Moodle platform.
During this time, you will also critically engage with scholarship to inform your assessments, and explore different SEND theories and strategies. You will be expected to read around your subject area, but will also be provided with a large number of relevant resources to help you work through the course.
You will be fully supported through training so you can complete:
- A reflective essay; you will receive guidance on developing as a reflective leader.
- Design, implementation and write up of an Action Research Project based upon your own setting.
- A Professional SEND Development Portfolio (Moodle) where the focus is on the student to reflect on their own practice within their education institution in order to have met the SEND learning outcomes.