Course summary
Since 2008, the PG Cert SENCO or National Award SENCo (NASENCO), has been a mandatory award for newly appointed SENCOs in maintained schools. NASENCO is also available for experienced SENCOs who wish to refresh their current knowledge and skills in the field of SEND. The PG Cert SENCO is fully validated as a University of Worcester programme as part of our master’s offer. It consists of two 30 credit modules at Level 7. The external examiner has commended on aspects of “exemplary practice” in course provision. Former students describe course lecturers as “superb - engaging and approachable with a positive, enthusiastic attitude; always willing to help”. Participants particularly value opportunities to discuss and share good practice. They have also commented on the attraction of learning to critically evaluate their own practice and having constructive conversations with experienced specialists in the field. Participants also report significant impact of the course on their learners, their schools and on their own practice. The NASENCO at the University of Worcester is noteworthy as it:
- Provides opportunities for course participants to develop long lasting communities of professional practice. These networks provide collegiate support in terms of project development, assessment completion and developing innovative practice within your setting.
- Enables participants to address ‘real setting challenges with real setting solutions.’ Strategies are provided enabling course participants to self-identify areas for further professional enhancement. Through active processes of reflection, research, application, and evaluation course participants are empowered to empower learners with SEND within their settings.
- Strengthens capacity for leadership and change management as a means of developing positive outcomes for all learners.
Modules
The PG Cert SENCO consists of two modules:
- The SENDCO role: Meeting statutory and policy requirements and working collaboratively for learners with SEND
- Leading and Managing Inclusive Change Through Research Informed Approaches
Assessment method
The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. The assessment process prepares participants to meet the Department for Education (DfE) Learning Outcomes Framework. The assessment items promote critical reflection on your current professional practice and seek to bring about practical, positive change in your setting through a process of analysis, change and review. The aim is to bring about an ever-inclusive culture within your setting so that learners identified with SEND are enabled to reach their potentials Assessments are supported with reference to a portfolio of evidence which illustrates how your practice is informed by reflection and the application of research pertaining to special educational needs. Assessment has several facets including presentations, posters and formal academic writing. For course participants with specific learning requirements there is also scope to negotiate the nature of assessment to facilitate learning outcome attainment The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. Over the duration of the course, iterative completion of the DfE Learning Outcomes Framework also forms part of the assessment process.
Entry requirements
Applicants must have 1 of the following: Qualified teacher status (QTS); Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS); Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Please see the university website for fee details.
Provider information
University of Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ