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Special Educational Needs Coordination PG Cert - National SENCO Award

Home | Course Finder | Full Time | Special Educational Needs Coordination PG Cert - National SENCO Award

From September 2009, teachers new to the SENCO role are required to possess this award. The course is fully-funded for one year and results in a Postgraduate Certificate worth 60 credits at Master’s level. The course commences in September 2010. It leads to The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination.

The course is developed upon Learning Outcomes identified by the TDA for the National Award. It consists of a total of ten face-to-face full day sessions which are hosted at the University. The TDA has provided funding for supply cover during these sessions. Teaching is supported through a web-based learning environment.

 

How are schools expected to support SENCOs enrolled in the course?

Schools must give the University an assurance that they will support the course by releasing participants for the taught sessions. Schools should also provide scope for participants to complete in-school tasks and self-directed study.

A limited number of non-funded places are available to experienced SENCOs. However, while the University may in this case offer a partial subsidy of course fees (the first module only), no supply cover will be available and schools will be expected to find alternative sources of funding.

• Download the PG Cert SENCO Award leaflet [PDF]

• Entry Requirements
• Modules
• Assessment
• Fees

The TDA has provided 20 fully-funded places for September 2010 at the University of Worcester. Additional places may be available for practising SENCOS who do not meet the TDA criteria below and who wish to pay for the course independently. In order to qualify for funding, applicants must:

• Have QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and have completed the induction year.
• Be working in a mainstream school. This includes community, foundation and voluntary aided schools as well as academies and maintained nurseries. Applicants may also be headteachers or acting heads that also have responsibility for SEN coordination.
• Be employed on a permanent or fixed-term contract which covers the period of the course.
• Have been appointed to the role of SENCO after September 1st 2008 and up to September 2010.
• Not have previously taken, or enrolled in, the SENCO course.  
  

What is involved in the work-based strand?
SENCOs will build their skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

• Professional context
• Strategic development of SEN policy and procedures
• Coordinating provision
• Leading, developing and supporting colleagues
• Working in partnership with pupils, families and other professionals

What is involved in the professional learning strand?
In order to meet the professional learning requirements at Master’s level, SENCOs will engage in critical reflective practice, choosing to complete two tasks taken from the following:

• A Portfolio with supporting critical reflections which demonstrate a deep understanding of professional learning in relation to the set learning outcomes;
• A Presentation which demonstrates critical engagement with the subject, e.g. leading staff training in some aspect of specialised curriculum provision;
• A Case Study which evolves around the in-depth study of a single event or a series of linked cases.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination is an innovative course which addresses the most salient aspects of fulfilling the SENCO role. Each SENCO has access to a professional mentor who supports the attainment of their learning objectives. In addition, participants are provided with academic tutors who provide guidance with their assessment tasks.  An on-line collaborative environment assists with peer networking, and work-based enhancement.

The award is fully funded for those meeting the eligibility criteria designated by the TDA (see above). Fees and supply costs will be covered to an equivalent of 10 days per participant. Experienced SENCOs who have QTS, but who are not eligible for TDA fully funded option will pay £820 in fees (not including the 10 days supply costs). This includes a University subsidy of one third.