National Award Special Educational Needs Coordination

As a serving SENCo, this National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASC) has been developed to provide you with a rich, critical and broad-based understanding of the theories and concepts surrounding inter-professional working with children and young people experiencing barriers to learning. It will help you further develop your practice as a committed, responsible and creative professional, capable of critical thinking and practical action and support you in enhancing whole-school provision for pupils who have Special Educational Needs or disabilities. SENCos who are newly appointed must achieve the award within three years of taking up the role. Over 2,000 SENCOs nationally have benefited from the expertise of the Edge Hill SEN team.

What will I study?

The taught element of the course will comprise two Level 7 modules, one per semester, which provide elements applicable to Special Educational Needs, inclusion, understanding barriers to learning, leadership, and collaborative working.

How will I study?

You will study online and will be required to attend four face-to-face sessions during the programme.

The face-to-face sessions will be held in central locations such as Edge Hill University, London, Solihull, North Yorkshire and Gateshead (subject to numbers).

How will I be assessed?

The programme will be assessed via two reflective portfolios (one in each module). These will include practice-based assessment tasks and a critical reflection of 2,500 words. You will also be required to collate a portfolio of evidence in relation to the 49 SENCo Standards.

What are my career prospects?

This award, which is accredited by the National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN), has been described as ‘mandatory’ by the Department for Education for new SENCos working in the mainstream sector. It is also considered as a ‘strongly advised’ qualification by the Department for Education for experienced SENCos in the same sector. The qualification is therefore central to career progression for all serving SEN Coordinators in schools.

You must have a degree (or equivalent). No specific subjects are required. You must also hold either Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status or Early Years Teacher Status, or equivalent, and be employed in the post of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) within a school or setting. Please note, if you hold QTS you must also have completed your Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) induction period.