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Announcement: This half terms SENsible Magazine is now available.  We’ve launched our Legal Conference in KingsCross for 26th Nov 2024.  Updated Ofsted framework guide for SENCOs is now available.  New for 2024/25 our QFT books – 12 books all about quality first teaching – We have also added SENCO mentoring sessions, as well as Live Strategic SENCO & TA training sessions.  Thank you to everyone who has joined us over the last month, your suppport is truely amazing!

SENCO Qualifications: How to Become a SENCO – New SENCO Basics

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SENCO training, SEN Basics - New SENCO - NASENCO

SENCO Qualifications: How to Become a SENCO – New SENCO Basics

Back
SENCO training, SEN Basics - New SENCO - NASENCO

SENCO Qualifications: How to Become a SENCO

If you are passionate about supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), becoming a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) can be a rewarding career choice. However, to become a SENCO, you need to have the right qualifications and training.

SENCO Qualifications and Requirements in the UK

In the UK, the qualifications and requirements to become a SENCO include:

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): You must have QTS to be eligible to become a SENCO.
  • A minimum of two years of teaching experience: You should have at least two years of experience working as a teacher before pursuing a SENCO qualification.
  • A postgraduate certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO) (NASENCO): This is a mandatory requirement for becoming a SENCO in the UK and must be completed within the first 3 years of taking up the role. The NASENCO course must have been started before September 2024
  • The NPQ is the which replaces the NASENCO from Sept 2024.

 

Violet is standing in front of a university or training center, holding her postgraduate certificate with a confident smile. She’s pointing toward a large board or banner with text like “SENCO Training” or “NASENCO” displayed prominently. The background reflects an academic environment with educational posters or banners promoting SENCO qualifications and training. Violet is dressed professionally, representing the journey of a teacher becoming a SENCO, holding her certificate proudly, symbolising achievement and qualifications.

Postgraduate Courses in SENCO

Several universities and colleges in the UK offer postgraduate courses in SENCO. You can find a list of approved courses on this website.  

Skills and Knowledge Required

In addition to the formal qualifications, SENCOs must possess a range of skills and knowledge related to special educational needs and inclusive education practices. These may include an understanding of different types of special educational needs and disabilities, knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework related to SEND, and strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with students, parents, and external agencies.

Organisations and Resources for Additional Guidance

If you are interested in training as a SENCO, there are several organisations and resources that can provide additional guidance and support. These include:

  1. NASEN: The National Association for Special Educational Needs is a UK-based organisation that provides support, resources, and training for professionals working in the field of SEND.
  2. The Department for Education: The UK government’s Department for Education provides information and guidance on SEND policy and practice.
  3. The Council for Disabled Children: The Council for Disabled Children is a UK-based organisation that provides support and resources for professionals working with children and young people with disabilities.
  4. SENsible SENCO: A great place full of information and growing every day, best of all it’s mostly free! (We just had to)

Becoming a SENCO requires a significant amount of education, training, and experience, but it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those passionate about inclusive education practices and supporting students with special educational needs.

Abigail Hawkins FCCT

Abigail Hawkins FCCT

Director of SENDCO Solutions

Abigail Hawkins was a SENCO for over 25 years and has worked with pupils with all types of needs.  Abigail has worked with Ed-Tech companies on developing their software and also been chair of governors for a multi-academy trust. Abigail now runs SENsible SENCO and SENDCO Solutions, with the aim of working with SENCOs and inclusion leaders across the UK to improve their support for SEND pupils. See our school services for more information.

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