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New NPQ coming in Autumn 2024 for SENCOs, teachers and school leaders.
The new NPQ for SENCOs programme aims to develop participants' professional knowledge and critical understanding of key concepts and debates addressed in the academic and professional literature, in order to lead and co-ordinate special educational needs and disability (SEN and D) provision across an educational setting.
Autumn cohort 2024
Who is this course designed for?
- Special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs)
- Teachers interested in developing expertise in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or undertaking a SENCO role in future
- School leaders
All mainstream schools (including academies and free schools) must have a SENCO. The SENCO must be a qualified teacher, or the headteacher, working at the school.
This NPQ will be the mandatory qualification for SENCOs from September 2024, with teaching beginning in autumn 2024. The 3-year window to complete the mandatory qualification on taking up a SENCO post will remain following the introduction of the NPQ for SENCOs.
Please refer to transition to national professional qualification for special educational needs co-ordinators for further information.
What will this course cover?
Designed in collaboration with leading experts and system leaders and informed by the latest evidence, the NPQ for SENCOs curriculum covers areas including:
- Establishing an inclusive school culture in which all pupils can flourish.
- Developing an expert knowledge of the statutory framework and identification of need.
- The strategic leadership and management of provision.
- Enhancing curriculum implementation, teaching and inclusive pedagogy.
- Supporting the professional development of colleagues through clear theories of change.
The programme is delivered, in partnership with UCLs national delivery partners, through a blend of online self-study, face to face events and peer coaching sessions. The programme lasts 18 months and to get your NPQ accreditation, you will need to complete the course and pass a written assessment (between 1,500 and 2,500 words).
Information on how to apply for the Autumn 2024 cohort will be published shortly.