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.

There is a focus on collaborative learning, building on the strength of shared experience, knowledge and expertise. During taught sessions, you will be encouraged to interact with your fellow professionals, allowing you to explore theory and practice.

Group activities also help you to develop your ideas through discussion with others before your approach the assessment tasks.

Each module is supported by a Virtual Learning Environment, where you can access key readings, additional materials and use the discussion board.

In addition to weekly lectures, you will have access to the module tutor via email or in face-to-face tutorials. Our tutors have all worked professionally to a high level in the field and have experience in supporting participants from a wide range of professional contexts and backgrounds.

A key aspect of the course is the Work Based Practice 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 will have one year after being awarded your Postgraduate Certificate to complete this portfolio, and you will have continued support from your tutor during this time.

You will learn through lectures, face-to-face tutorials and by working in small discussion groups and pairs, all online.

There is a focus on collaborative learning, building on the strength of shared experience, knowledge and expertise. During taught sessions, you will be encouraged to interact with your fellow professionals, allowing you to explore theory and practice.

Group activities also help you to develop your ideas through discussion with others before your approach the assessment tasks.

Each module is supported by a Virtual Learning Environment, where you can access key readings, additional materials and use the discussion board.

In addition to weekly lectures, you will have access to the module tutor via email or online face-to-face tutorials. Our tutors have all worked professionally to a high level in the field and have experience in supporting participants from a wide range of professional contexts and backgrounds.

A key aspect of the course is the Work Based Practice 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 will have one year after being awarded your Postgraduate Certificate to complete this portfolio, and you will have continued support from your tutor during this time.

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.