Skip navigation
National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination at University of Chichester - UCAS

University of Chichester

Degree level: Postgraduate

National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (Taught)

Course options

Course summary

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. 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). 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.

Modules

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.

Assessment method

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.


Entry requirements

QTS/QTLS or equivalent. Honours degree 2:2 or higher in a related discipline. IELTS 6.5 with no element lower than 5.5. 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.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

£1,110 per 30 credit module; £2,220 per 60 credit module.
National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination at University of Chichester - UCAS