National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination
COURSE OVERVIEW
The University of Winchester has been providing this successful training programme since 2009 when the award was introduced nationally. The course is designed to support the continuing professional development of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos). We work with you to build on your existing skills to ensure that you are able to fulfil the requirements of the National Outcomes Framework and that you grow in confidence in your role in leading on inclusion.
You will learn about the importance of your role as a leader. You will gain an understanding of the professional context of your role and be supported in the strategic development of SEN Policy and Procedures. You will develop your skills as a co-ordinator of effective support for children and young people with special educational needs. You will learn how to provide support and training for your setting and develop your skills of working in partnership with pupils, families and other professionals. You will be expected to critically reflect on a range of additional educational needs and the issues surrounding improving educational outcomes for all pupils.
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ABOUT THIS COURSE
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on the King Alfred Campus or at West Downs, University of Winchester.
Learning and teaching
You will be a post-graduate student with full access to the University’s resources. Study will encompass:
- Mentoring
- University and Local Authority (LA) based learning networks with face-to-face days provided in different venues.
- Three written assignments that will be matched against the SENCo standards (see Assessment)
- Online training and support
Assessment
The assessed part of the course is divided into four parts:
- An audit mapped against the Standards for SENCos leading to an action plan
- A 10 credit module which will enable you to consider the debates in the professional practice of the SENCo. This will be a critical account of 2,000 words in an area of debate in an aspect of policy or practice. This will be due by the end of the first term.
- A 20 credit module which will allow you to examine professional practice. You will be expected to engage with literature and evidence to develop an in-depth examination of professional practice that is relevant to you and your setting. (4,000 words)
- An individual practitioner enquiry (30 points) which will enable you to report on a chosen area of education at a critical level. This 6,000 word module will allow you to undertake a workplace enquiry that will address one of the areas identified in your action plan.
The 60 credits gained from the National Award are a step towards the attainment of a Masters Degree such as the MA Education for which 180 credits are required in total.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
It is statutory that all new SENCos to post, working in maintained, mainstream schools (including Academies) must attend and complete the National Award for SEN Co-ordination within three years of taking up their post.
You are required to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to apply. If you are in Further Education and have Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) or you are in Early Years and hold Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) you are also able to apply. You are also required to complete your induction period according to SEND Regulations 2014, paragraph 24.
You might also be an ‘aspirant SENCo’. You are also eligible to apply if you have relevant experience and your school confirms you will be supported to achieve all the Learning Outcomes.
Course enquiries and applications
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Year 1
Modules Credits
| Considering debates in professional practice (SEN) | 10 | |
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This module offers students the opportunity to reflect analytically on an aspect of professional practice in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities through consideration of recent and relevant literature and policy documents, with a view to developing future practice. Through reference to relevant research and government initiatives, the module will draw on effective practice learning and teaching for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Specialists from Local Authorities (LAs) and schools will contribute their expertise within sessions. Support will also be provided in this module for writing at Masters Level. |
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| Examining Professional Practice (SEN) | 20 | |
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This module provides an opportunity to reflect analytically on a range of issues underpinning professional practice in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This will be informed by consideration of recent and relevant literature and policy documents, with a view to developing future practice. Through reference to relevant research and government initiatives. Specialists from Local Authorities (LAs) and schools will contribute their expertise within sessions. The module provides a context for reflecting on effective practice learning and teaching for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities within the context of theoretical frameworks.
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| Individual Practitioner Enquiry (SEN) | 30 | |
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Professional issues, questions and challenges focussed on an aspect of Special Educational Needs relevant to the setting the educator practices in will form the basis for this situated empirical enquiry. The research design will be built on the development of a clear rationale and specific research questions. Data will be collected and analysed through a range of methods, selected to align with the research questions. Evidence may also be drawn from inspection reports, recent research, national policy documents and insights from practice. Specialists from Local Authorities (LAs) and schools will contribute their expertise within sessions. The module tutor will provide support in the identification of a clear focus for the enquiry within individual tutorials. A community of practice will be established within the context of group seminars to facilitate engagement with analysis, critical evaluation of evidence and structuring of enquiry within a blended learning context. |
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
Course Tuition Fees and Additional Costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including lectures, guest lectures and tutorials, seminars and specialist teaching facilities. However, there may be the occasional additional costs such as text books that are not included in the cost below.
September 2023 entry
Total Cost | £3,185
Key course details
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- King Alfred or West Downs, University of Winchester
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