National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-Ordination (NASENCO) PG Cert

Leeds Trinity University

Course overview

How can outstanding provision be developed in schools for children and young people with SEN using evidenced-based best practice?

The field of SEND is complex and constantly changing. This part-time course will give aspiring and practicing SENCo’s an in-depth understanding of effective policy, provision and practice to meet the diverse needs of children with SEND.

The course will address all the professional learning outcomes required by the national award. You will meet colleagues and develop professional networks with both practitioners and leaders in the field of SEN.

About this course

Leeds Trinity University provides postgraduate training to professionalise the SENCo role, improve pupil outcomes and to invest in and retain current SENCos.

It is a requirement that all schools have a qualified SENCo and all new to role SENCos will need to achieve this qualification within three years of taking up their post.

This course is taught over ten teaching days over a period of a year or across an academic year. You will focus on both SENCo as practitioner and SENCo as leader across two modules.

You will be asked to explore the reasons why a child cannot access learning and will develop innovative ways to remove barriers to progression for children and young people with SEND. You will develop skills to critically evaluate policy and provision to develop outstanding inclusive practice with children and care givers.

You will also develop skills to understand each child’s needs and start the journey to becoming an expert in identification and assessment to allow personalised planning and support to be developed so no child is left behind in their educational journey.

You will develop:

• Professional knowledge and understanding that you as a SENCo will need.
• Expertise and capabilities that a SENCo needs to lead and coordinate effective provision.
• Personal and professional qualities that are specific to your role, and will be key in you making a positive impact on the ethos and culture in your setting will also be explored and developed.

Why study with us?

• Developed for SENCos by SENCos, with the now-legal requirement as its focus.
• The course is aligned with the national outcomes for the NASENCo qualification and the national strategy which focuses on the development of skilled professionals who work in a range of provision in both mainstream and specialist settings.
• Learn from staff who are highly experienced in SEND practice.
• Receive highly personalised learning to help you develop your skills and school-based practice to work strategically in educational settings.

Career progression

After completing the PG Cert, you could apply for new opportunities within SEN, as well as promotions to senior leadership roles. SENCos could also provide consultancy to other schools in a Multi Academy Trust, or undertake further postgraduate study and research.