National Award for SEN Coordination - TDA approved and FREE for new SENCOs

Real Training is delighted to be able to offer a new TDA approved training course for SENCOs leading to the National Award for SEN Coordination. SENCOs who work in maintained schools (and nurseries) are eligible for free training places and supply cover costs, paid for by the TDA, if they started working as a SENCO on or after 1st September 2008.

As of 1st September 2009 amended regulations have come into force that have made it a mandatory requirement for teachers designated as SENCOs to undertake nationally approved training. These regulations apply to SENCOs who started working in a SENCO role on or after 1st September 2008.

Who is eligible?

All SENCOs who have not been a SENCO for more than twelve months by 1 September 2009 need to complete the approved training. This includes newly appointed SENCOs and all those coming new to the role from 1 September 2008.
The programme is also open to experienced SENCOs, in post for more than twelve months as of 1st September 2009, who wish to benefit from this personal and professional development opportunity and who want to acquire the National Award for SEN Coordination. Whilst the programme is open to SENCOs in this group, the fees would need to be met by the individual or the school directly.
The programme is also open to SENCOs working in all private/independent and international schools, though TDA funding does not cover the course fees for SENCOs in that group and fees would need to be met by the individual or school directly.

Study with us and you will get:

Flexible course start dates - Jan, March, May, July, Sept & Nov each year.
High quality training
A personal tutor and regular support from a leadership SENCO
A personalised learning pathway (PLP)
Accreditation for prior experience and learning (APEL)

New SENCOs (employed from 1st September 2008) also get:

Your fees paid by the TDA
Up to £1500 for supply cover funded by the TDA

Experienced SENCOs have options for:

Fast track study
Opportunities for further study

Course Delivery

The Real Training National Award for SEN Coordination course is delivered via:

Blended learning
Flexible study patterns
Just 1 day attendance (London or Manchester)
APEL - use your experience and reduce the amount of work you need to do
Personalised Learning Pathways
E-learning modules
Personal tutor support
Peer support
Personal learning log

Course content

The course is structured as a series of modules which together cover the strategic context, essential knowledge and practical skills identified by the TDA as being core to the SENCO role. Together these modules cover the following objectives:

	Objective 1	Develop deep knowledge and systematic understanding of relevant legislation, reports and research evidence in order to analyse school ethos, policy, procedures and practices as a vehicle for developing and implementing inclusive practice.
	Objective 2	Critically evaluate the principles and theoretical approaches underpinning assessment, planning, intervention and review of individual SENs / disabilities including those that are deemed to be ‘high incidence’.
	Objective 3	Critically analyse and evaluate the application of theoretical principles including evaluation of their effectiveness in cultivating flexible and responsive strategies in the classroom.
	Objective 4	Critically analyse, and reflect upon, partnership as a basis for action when planning to remove barriers and to meet learning needs.
	Objective 5	Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced via research evidence and professional judgement.
	Objective 6	Articulate and justify a professional view of the way in which evidence bases support practices in their immediate context.
	Objective 7	Analyse issues in including pupils with SEN and / or disabilities and draw supported conclusions about observed practices and the evidence bases that support or challenge them; making recommendations for professional practice.
	Objective 8	Critically analyse and discuss potential barriers and tensions that impair the quality of collaboration e.g. personal, structural, cultural factors.
	Objective 9	Critically analyse factors inherent in SENCOs’ own practice context that enhance or impair the quality of collaboration.
	Objective 9	Demonstrate a critical understanding of the roles and expectations of different stakeholders and critically analyse the ethical issues involved, e.g. boundaries, balance of power, honesty, confidentiality.

Learning and assessment

Real Training’s course offers unrivalled flexibility and draws on a wide range of learning tasks and practical experience, including apprenticeships in other work places, mentoring, peer-to-peer facilitation and support from a dedicated tutor. The course is supported by our proven blended learning technology, allowing you to study at your own pace, work with fellow delegates and receive support from tutors. Only two days attendance at face-to-face events is required.

Continuous assessment is an integral part of the course, being used both to ensure understanding of principles and their application, and also to provide feedback and ongoing opportunities for personal and professional development. Methods of assessment include written assignments, self assessment, supervisor assessment, questionnaires and reflective learning logs.

Costs and funding options

For SENCOs new to the role: