Level 3: Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings

The Early Years Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) qualification is for a Level 3 practitioner in a private, voluntary or independent setting.

This qualification aims to...

All early years providers are required to have arrangements in place to identify and support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and to promote equality of opportunity for children in their care. This is an important role to ensure the best possible educational outcomes are achieved for children with SEND.

The qualification is designed for those already working in a SENCo role as part of their early years practitioner role, or those who are interested in doing so.

This qualification is also appropriate for childminders.

The objectives of this qualification are to help learners to:

Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but centres may have their own guidelines.

Entry requirements

Qualification structure

To achieve this qualification, learners are required to successfully complete 2 mandatory units.

Units

Assessment

Portfolio of evidence. A non-mandatory internal assessment task will be provided to be completed at the end of the qualification. This qualification does not include an external assessment.

Progression

Upon achievement of this qualification, learners will be able to progress to higher learning in Special Education Needs and other relevant sectors.

Complementary qualifications/subjects

This qualification is suitable for those interested in pursuing careers in the following areas:

I am a Level 6 qualified Early Years Coordinator and I recently completed my Level 3 SEND Course. I was able to reflect on my current practice and make positive changes through what I was learning. I enjoyed the simplicity and organisation of the course, needing to answer pre set questions to show your understanding with all evidence stored in your own, personal portfolio. This course certainly made me more confident within my role as a SENCO

I found the Level 3 SEND course challenging but very interesting. I learnt so much over the duration of the course, all relevant to practice which I have been able to implement in setting, to strengthen our SEN offering support to both children their carers/parents. Hazel was always on hand to offer advice or guidance when needed. I would strongly recommend this course even to those already familiar with the subject because it is so comprehensive and encourages you to reflect on what you already practice.