About the course
This online course is for practising teachers working in SEN provision: the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (NASENCO) is a legally required qualification for all new special educational needs co-ordinators, to be completed within three years of appointment.
As a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO), you must constantly meet the challenge of co-ordinating first-rate provision for children with special needs and disabilities. This online version of our National Award course has been designed to fit in with your busy, day-to-day responsibilities. It supports you to improve your knowledge of current legislation, theory and practice in SEND provision and develop your skills in meeting those needs. It assists you to fulfil your leadership role as outlined in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for 0 to 25 years (DfE, 2015):
- Oversee the operation of the institution’s SEN policy
- Co-ordinate provision for SEND
- Liaise with the relevant designated teacher where a looked-after pupil has SEN
- Advise on a graduated approach to providing SEN support, and effective deployment of the institution’s delegated budget and other resources
- Liaise with families of children with SEN, other schools and relevant external professionals/agencies
- Liaise with potential next providers of education, and consult young people and families to ensure a smooth transition
- Work with the head teacher and school governors to ensure the school conforms to the Equality Act (2010)
- Ensure the institution keeps records of young people with SEN up to date
All course materials are available through the University of Bedfordshire’s website. Tutor support is via the website, email or telephone. There are also optional face-to-face sessions built into the course, one for each course unit.
Why choose this course?
- It is especially designed to develop a SENCO’s professional attributes, knowledge and skills, enabling you to fulfil a leadership role
- Develop your understanding of concepts, theories and approaches to literacy difficulties (including dyslexia) and inclusion in schools while exploring your potential to influence change and remove barriers to learning
- Gain insight into the learning of dyslexic and other pupils/students who experience difficulties in literacy development or have specific learning difficulties, and explore ways in which learning might be more effectively supported
- Tailor assignments to fit your needs or those of your institution
Book your place today
Course Leader - Professor Janice Wearmouth
I had many years' experience of teaching in mainstream schools, first on voluntary service in Cameroon, and, later, in Bermuda, London, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, until I changed career to teach and research in universities. I began my career by teaching English Language and Literature, Latin and Classical Studies before moving into the area of Special Educational Needs and Disability and working as a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) and Head of Education Support.
Units
- Further Development Of Special Education Needs Coordination In Schools (Distance Learning) (EDC112-6) Compulsory
- Introduction To Special Education Needs Coordination In Schools (Distance Learning) (EDC111-6) Compulsory
Why the School of Education?
- 100% satisfaction with Physical Education (Secondary) NSS 2021
-
Professional expertise in all 4 phases of Teacher Education
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.
The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.
Individual courses may vary, but we generally require an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.
To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.
English Language
The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.
The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.
Individual courses may vary, but we generally require an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.
To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.
English Language
The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.
In addition, course participants need to be practising teachers working in the area of special educational needs provision in schools, early years settings or FE colleges.
To be a SENCO in a ‘relevant school’ (i.e. a UK mainstream school), the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations (2014) require you also to:
- have qualified teacher status (QTS)
- have passed your probationary period
How will this course improve my career prospects?
The course is specifically designed to enable you to meet the learning outcomes for the qualification (NASENCO) that is legally required for all new SENCOs in schools within three years of their appointment. It enables you to fulfil the leadership role of SENCO in a school with greater confidence, competence and from a well-informed position.
After graduating, you will be in a good position to apply for positions of greater responsibility in schools/colleges.
The units on this course can be used as a short route to an MA Education (Special Educational Needs), providing 60 credits of recognised prior learning (RPL).
Fees and funding
The fee for this Postgraduate Certificate for the Academic Year 2024/25 is £2,000.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
Note: In the rare circumstances that an International student is eligible for admission to this course, standard postgraduate international status fees will apply.
Scholarship Available
The University of Bedfordshire is proud of its alumni and is delighted to offer a tuition fee discount for those who choose to continue or return to the University for on campus Postgraduate level studies.
We offer a 20% discount on full and part-time Masters courses to those who were successful in completing an Honours Degree with the University of Bedfordshire, DMU’s Bedford campus or the University of Luton.
Fees and funding
The fee for this Postgraduate Certificate for the Academic Year 2024/25 is £2,000.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
Note: In the rare circumstances that an International student is eligible for admission to this course, standard postgraduate international status fees will apply.
Scholarship Available
The University of Bedfordshire is proud of its alumni and is delighted to offer a tuition fee discount for those who choose to continue or return to the University for on campus Postgraduate level studies.
We offer a 20% discount on full and part-time Masters courses to those who were successful in completing an Honours Degree with the University of Bedfordshire, DMU’s Bedford campus or the University of Luton.
Extra Costs
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
You can apply online using our applications portal.
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
You can apply online using our applications portal.
Find out more about how to apply as an International student