PG Cert The National Award for Special Needs Coordination

This successful one year training programme is designed to support the professional development of special educational needs coordinators (SENCOS). Gain 60 credits at masters level and join the hundreds of SENCOs in the South West Consortium who have already gained the award.

SENCOs play a very important role in leading the co-ordination of provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in schools. In September 2009 it became law for every new SENCO in a mainstream school to gain the Master’s level National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator within 3 years of taking up the post. This National Award meets that requirement.

Key Features

• Take the opportunity to undertake this Department for Education (DfE) approved post-graduate qualification which must be achieved by teachers new to the role of SENCO. If you are an experienced SENCO or working in a related professional role you can also apply. To achieve the National Award you must have QTS/QTLS/EYTS. School staff in the role of SENCo will have completed an induction period. If you do not meet these conditions it may be possible for you to achieve the PgCert Inclusive Education (60 masters level credits).
• Benefit from an award offered through the South West Consortium consisting of the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, working in partnership with the local authorities of BCP, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, and Somerset.
• Take part in a structured programme which adopts a blended learning approach through six taught days across the year supported by a wealth of online learning materials. The local tutors are mainly Special Educational Needs (SEN) advisory teachers and experienced SENCOs, working in conjunction with university tutors.
• Achieve 60 masters-level credits which can be used towards your masters degree (for example MA Education Special Educational Needs)
• Gain experience working with a tutor allocated to you, offering extensive expertise, knowledge and experience and high quality local personal tuition.
• Draw on support from a professional learning community through face-to-face and virtual learning support and resources.  Access valuable university facilities and online resources.