How is the qualification delivered?

The qualification is delivered twice a year, with a cohort starting in the Spring (1st February) and the Autumn (1st October). The course duration is nine months.

The qualification will take approximately 130 hours of study to complete. This will include guided and non-guided study hours, where participants will engage with the course materials and complete assessment tasks.

The course materials can be accessed by laptop/tablet/phone. The course materials are available to access on the Learning Platform. Logins will be issued prior to the start date.

The qualification can be accessed via the Group 152 pathway or via a blended* pathway if there is a partnership in the local area.

*To check which pathway is available in the local area, click to register and choose the local area from the drop-down menu.

What support do participants receive on the Group 152 and blended pathways?

On the Group 152 pathway, participants will have access to:

• 10 podcasts linked to the course themes outlined in the course content below

• 10 x 1-hour facilitated group study sessions linked to the themes outlined in the course content below, delivered via our virtual classroom. These will include opportunities to network with other SENCOs, discussions and practical activities that support the assessment tasks and Q&A sessions (dates are listed in the purple box below and attendance is optional)

• Assessment task feedback from a Learning Outcome Assessor, who is assigned to work with participants on strengthening the evidence submitted. Learning Outcome Assessors will correspond with participants via the Learning Platform

• Email correspondence with the Eastern Partnership UK (SEND) Team (available during working hours)

*To find out about the support available on the blended pathway in the local area, click to register and choose the local area from the drop-down menu.

What is covered in the course content?

Several themes are explored in the course content.

These are:

• Theme 1: The role and responsibilities of an Early Years SENCO

• Theme 2: The laws, regulations and statutory guidance relating to SEND in the Early Years

• Theme 3: The importance of working in a person centred way and the techniques that can be used to support this approach

• Theme 4: High Quality Practice for all children, including those with SEND

• Theme 5: The Graduated Approach: early identification

• Theme 6: The Graduated Approach: agreeing outcomes and provision

• Theme 7: The Graduated Approach: planning, implementing and reviewing provision

• Theme 8: The Local Offer and the support that is available from specialists

• Theme 9: Information Sharing in the context of transition for children with SEND

• Theme 10: Approaches to develop own expertise in SEND and that of others

How is the qualification assessed?

Participants will complete assessment tasks.

A Learning Outcome Assessor will be allocated to each participant. Their role is to provide feedback on the participant’s submissions to help them to gain the knowledge and practical skills required and to strengthen the evidence provided. Learning Outcome Assessors will correspond with participants via the Learning Platform.

Once assessment tasks are complete, the work that the participant has submitted will go through the Eastern Partnership UK (SEND)’s quality assurance process to check that the evidence meets the required standards.

What are the benefits for participants and for their school or setting?

Successful completion of the qualification will:

• Increase knowledge of the Early Years SENCO role and responsibilities

• Improve understanding of the laws, regulations and statutory guidance relating to SEND

• Build confidence to work in a person centred way with children, parents/carers, and specialists to secure good outcomes

• Improve leadership of SEND and the ability to advise and support colleagues in implementing the graduated approach of assess, plan, do and review and on the collaborative nature in which they work with children with SEND and their families

• Ensure that the setting has a qualified SENCO who knows how to improve practice and can strengthen discussions during inspections

• Meet the DfE’s commitment to increase the number of SEND Qualified Level 3 practitioners in Early Years

What are the entry requirements?

The course is open to those who are:

• Working in the PVI sector, including childminders

• Currently in the role of EY SENCO or have an interest in aspiring to be an EY SENCO

• Aged 18 or over on the start date

What is the cost of the qualification?

The cost of the Group 152 pathway is £275+VAT

*To find out the cost of the blended pathway in the local area, click to register and choose the local area from the drop-down menu.