PGCert NATIONAL AWARD FOR SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS…

The course is designed to critically engage with current thinking and ideas about inclusive and specialist education and is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to be a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). The course fulfils all the requirements for achieving the National SENCo Award. The 2015 Special Educational Needs Code of Practice stipulates that for SENCos new to the role, it is mandatory to gain this award within three years of taking up the role.

The course covers inclusion and leadership within special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and it draws upon current legislation and national and international research.  

The course will enable you to study and research current and relevant issues concerning a range of special educational needs and disabilities and to develop your knowledge of inclusive pedagogy and practice. 

It will allow you to develop the skills to reflect critically on your own practice and current research. It will also enable you to contribute to school development and strategic vision concerning SEND and inclusion.

The NASENCo qualification is also offered as a distance learning (DL) option via UEL's virtual learning environment, Moodle (in addition to and separate from the on campus version of the course). Teaching on the course will be carried out exclusively by distance learning, supported by online group discussion and independent study. 

Students will be able to access our state-of-the-art library and online resources to support their learning and professional development, just as if they were studying on campus. 

Online interactivity and assessment tools

The lists below demonstrate key features of Moodle and how students would be engaging with their learning:

• Discussion forums 
• Blogs and text chat sessions 
• Online presentations
• Moodle workshops
• Directed reading and reflection
• Collaborative and research activities
• Formative assessment tasks 

Self-directed activities include:

• Assignment preparation
• Background reading
• On-line activities
• Group work
• Portfolio
• Directed reading
• Self-formed study groups
• Discussion with other students online 

NASENCO PORTFOLIO

• A key aspect of the course is the NASENCO Portfolio. This is where you gather evidence of your work in schools to meet the learning outcomes of the National SENCo Award 
• To help you complete this portfolio, you will be given specific tasks between sessions, alongside workshops where you can discuss your progress and any areas where you feel you need further support. You are required to identity someone in your setting to take on the role of mentor in order to support you to fulfil the NASENCO Portfolio learning outcomes.
• You will have one year after being awarded your Postgraduate Certificate to complete the NASENCO portfolio, and you will have continued support from your tutor during this time.

The aim of the course is to support SENCOs and aspiring SENCOs to develop their knowledge and understanding of key issues in inclusion, and how to respond effectively to the needs of pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. 

The course will also develop your leadership skills, allowing you to play a key role within your school. You will also explore the role of multi-agency working for pupils with SEND, linking this to current legislation and practice within your own context. 

Throughout the course, you will be helped to develop a critical understanding of theory alongside practical knowledge. This is reflected in a work-based practice portfolio, which allows you to meet the learning outcomes for the National SENCo Award (NCTL, 2015).

You will be encouraged to make links between theory and your own practice, and become a reflective practitioner who is able to think proactively and strategically about provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

• Bachelor's degree: GPA of 2.5 / 4 or overall classification of "Good" or higher
• UK Bachelor's degree with Honours: Second Class, Second Division or higher
• US Bachelor's degree: GPA 2.5 / 4

Extended Diploma or Diploma

FROM

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

Diploma with 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level

The key aim of this course is to develop the skills and knowledge you need for the role of SENCo within schools. The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (DfE / DoH, 2015) stipulates that all new SENCos must gain the National SENCo Award within three years of taking their post.

The skills and knowledge you develop on this course will give you expertise in the areas of inclusion, SEND and leadership, whether you are working as or aspiring to be a SENCo.

However, the course will also help you develop a range of transferrable skills that are desirable in a wide range of careers. These include knowledge of theories, legislation, policy and practice, computer literacy, planning and time management and written communication.

It will also demonstrate your ability to design and carry out small-scale research and to engage in critical thinking.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.