Overview
Gain the nationally required qualification for newly-qualified SENCOs
The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENC) is a mandatory qualification for newly-appointed special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs).
The University of Chichester is one of the key NASENCO providers in the south of England running the mandatory qualification for newly appointed SENCOs and having achieved the Quality Standard of the NASENCO Provider Partnership.
The programme is strongly rooted in work-based practice, equipping SENCOs to evaluate and develop effective leadership and management of SEND provision.
We have developed a strong collaboration with local authorities and partners to ensure that it supports both local and national requirements and we involve national and international experts to work with us in delivering a relevant and up-to-date programme.
Who is this course for?
If you are a newly appointed SENCO with QTS working in a mainstream school you will be required to complete the mandatory programme within three years of your appointment (SEND Code of Practice, 2015). It is suitable if you have QTS/QLS – Qualified Teacher Status and you’ve completed your induction period according to SEND Regs 2014, para:24 – or EYTS for an award applicable to 0-5 only.
We welcome applications from SENCOs working in Early Years settings, special schools, Post-16 provision and private schools.
SENCOs with the equivalent EYTS or QTLS, can also apply to gain the National Award. Experienced and aspiring SENCOs who are working in a SEND work setting and/or are members of the Senior Leadership Team interested in gaining the qualification may also apply with the assurance that the Learning Outcomes (NCTL, 2014) will be covered within sessions.
Where a SENCO working in an Early Years setting or Post-16 provision does not have QTS (or the equivalent qualification), please contact us for further information about alternative courses we can offer.
Work-based practice
The University of Chichester is one of the key NASENCO providers in the south of England running the mandatory qualification for newly appointed SENCOs and having achieved the Quality Standard of the NASENCO Provider Partnership.
The programme is strongly rooted in work-based practice, equipping SENCOs to evaluate and develop effective leadership and management of SEND provision.
We have developed a strong collaboration with local authorities and partners to ensure that it supports both local and national requirements and we involve national and international experts to work with us in delivering a relevant and up-to-date programme.
Our innovative programme attracts teachers from West Sussex, East Sussex, Essex, Brighton & Hove, Hampshire, Portsmouth, Berkshire, Essex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.
Gain credits towards a full MA
SENCOs who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice (60 credits at Masters Level) and will have the opportunity to continue their study to a full MA qualification.
The National Award is required to be at Masters level and you will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice with 60 Masters level credits on completion of the programme.
On this course you will:
- Gain the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENC) required for newly-appointed SENCOs.
- Develop your leadership and management skills as a SENCO.
- Earn 60 credits towards a full MA qualification.
- Study a course strongly rooted in work-based practice.
The Course
Innovative practical and interactive sessions to develop your knowledge and skills
The PGCiPP: National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination is delivered part time over one year and includes nine study days and a conference, work-based research, peer support and access to the University library and online resources.
Sessions are aimed at equipping SENCOs to evaluate and develop effective leadership and management of SEND provision and improve the learning outcomes and achievements of pupils who have a special educational need and/or disability.
This list is indicative and subject to change.
The practical and interactive sessions are an opportunity for SENCOs to discuss topics including:
- The statutory and regulatory context for SEND provision and the implications for practice in the school or setting (including requirements for the Local Offer).
- The principles and practice of leadership in different contexts.
- How SEND affect pupils’ participation and learning.
- Strategies for improving outcomes for pupils with SEND.
- Working strategically with senior colleagues and governors.
- Leading and developing colleagues and promoting improvements in teaching.
- Evaluating evidence about learning, teaching and assessment in relation pupils with SEND to inform practice.
- Drawing on external sources of support and expertise.
- Developing, implementing and monitoring systems.
- Using person-centred approaches to build on and extend the experiences, interests, skills and knowledge of children and young people with SEND.
- Encouraging family leadership with parents and carers as equal partners in their child’s achievement, progress and well-being.
Experience
Learn at our sea-side Bognor Regis campus
Expert staff
Learn from expert and experienced teaching staff who are here to support your needs.
Close community
Our commitment to a friendly and close-knit student community contributes to a high degree of success for our graduates.
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms, and the Student Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
Subject specific librarians
If you have difficulty finding material for an essay, seminar or project, subject librarians will be happy to provide assistance.
Teaching and Assessment
Part-time learning that fits around you
Teaching
The course is structured over one academic year and SENCOs come to the Bognor Regis Campus for one day each month.
The interactive seminars include information on current legislation and policies, discussions on practical strategies for their implementation and opportunities for independent study.
Assessment
You will be required to undertake assignments that are strongly rooted in evidence-based SEND practice in the work place and support you in achieving the Learning Outcomes for SENCOs (NCTL, 2014).
- Assignment 1: Commentary (1000 words) A critical understanding of your current role as SENCO.
- Assignment 2: Essay (2000 words) Using critical incidents to evaluation your leadership and management role in developing SEND provision in your workplace.
- Assignment 3: Presentation (10 minute/2000-word equivalent) – outlining the small-scale research you will undertake in your workplace.
- Assignment 4: Research Project (4000 words) on an aspect of SEND provision that promotes inclusive practice in the workplace.
- Assignment 5: Portfolio (3000 words) At the end of the programme SENCOs prepare a portfolio of evidence to show how they have met the Learning Outcomes for SENCOs (NCTL, 2014). This will be a critical evaluation of your leadership and management development with supportive evidence from key stakeholders and the changes you have made to SEND provision and inclusive practice in the workplace.
As students of the University, SENCOs also have opportunities to access the library and online resources during the study days and off campus.
Student View
"I felt I defined myself as a practitioner more than I had previously"
Vicky
Mandy
Course Costs
Course fees 2023/24
UK fee
UK fee (online route)
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.
Course specific costs
·        You will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check costing £40 which needs to be paid for before the start of the course.
Entry Requirements
Honours degree
IELTS
- Relevant employment also required.
- If you are a SENCO or Inclusion Manager new to the role with QTS, or will become a SENCO within the year of the programme, you are eligible to apply.
- We also welcome experienced SENCOs, and SENCOs working in Early Years settings, special schools, PRUs, Further Education or private schools who are interested in gaining the National Award as part of their professional development.
You will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
