National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination PgCert

Why choose this course?

Are you an existing or aspiring SENCO?

This course is for you if you are looking to complete the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO). All SENCOs appointed since 2009 must achieve the NASENCO within three years of appointment.

The course offers an overview of special educational needs and/or disabilities in the context of policy, practice and professionalism.

You will study the range of perspectives which impact on the work of SEN coordinators. Central to the course is the study of strategies to enhance learning. You will explore research-based interventions in SEN provision for effective working with staff, pupils, governors, parents and other stakeholders.

You will be able to share your ideas for professional practice, confidently engage in academic and professional discourse, and develop advocacy skills.

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Mode Duration Start date
Part time 1 year November 2021

This course comprises part-time, blended learning.

You will study online, with four study days at Kingston Hill campus.

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2021/22 entry

If you are planning to join this course in the academic year 2021/22 (i.e. between August 2021 and July 2022), please view the information about changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19.

Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19

 

Continuing students

Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2021/22 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2021/22. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas Course page.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course incorporates the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO). It is designed for existing or aspiring special educational needs (SEN) coordinators who already hold QTS, QTLS or EYTS (0–5 years only).
  • The course will enable you to support the learning and development of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
  • You will be included in a community of practitioners and researchers working together on inclusion and social justice to improve the lives of people with special educational needs.

Accreditation

We are a member of the National Award for SENCO (NASENCO) Provider Partnership. This course has been quality assured as adhering to the regulations and learning outcomes for the NASENCO and regulated by the National Association for Special Education Needs (NASEN).

This qualification is mandatory for all SEN coordinators in schools within three years of appointment and is intended to enable students to fulfil the leadership roles set out in the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (2014).

What you will study

This course will enable SEN coordinators to better meet the needs of learners who have special educational needs and disabilities.

You will gain an overview of Special Educational Needs and disabilities in the context of policy, practice and professionalism. You will critically evaluate specialist sources to understand the range of perspectives which impact on the work of SEN coordinators.

You will develop your reflective practice through evaluation of practice-based scenarios and self-reflective work. The leadership of change in professional settings will draw on appropriate theories and resource management will be examined with reference to both professional and inter-professional working.

Core modules

Core modules

Critical Reflections on the role of the SEN coordinator

30 credits

This module is designed to help you gain an overview of Special Educational Needs. Databases and other specialist sources are examined to develop evidence-based approaches to learning, teaching and assessment. A critical understanding of the statutory and regulatory context for SEN and disability is developed. Critical reflections and ethical practice are important focal points for exploring how learning outcomes for learners with SEND can be improved, including the use of reflective journal writing. A consolidating theme for the module is an exploration of the personal and professional qualities that SEN coordinators use to enhance pupil attainment.

Leading change and the role of the SEN coordinator

30 credits

This module is designed to enable you to develop the process of enacting change both professionally and interprofessionally. The exploration of the principles and practice of leadership will involve organizational theory relevant to the leadership of SEN provision, including self reflection and ways of promoting professional learning within and across settings. The use of external sources of support and expertise will involve consideration of the sustainability of provision.Constructs of interprofessional working will be encountered, including multiagency teams which focus on SEN and disabilities.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

You will need to be currently employed as a teacher / practitioner in an education-related setting, in full-time or part-time employment with QTS, QTLS or EYTS* (*suitable for ages 0–5 only).

Candidates are required to have an honours degree and/or further qualifications relating to working in Special Educational Needs in an education-related environment.

Teaching and assessment

You will learn about leading on special educational needs through interactive lectures, seminars and online work in our in our Virtual Learning Environment (CANVAS).

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS – the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services. 

Your workload

10% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity.

  • Scheduled teaching and learning: 60 hours
  • Guided independent study: 540 hours

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules

How you will be assessed

Summative assignments will include a critical commentary on the implications of legislative interventions for the role of the SENCO and the critical evaluation of sources to develop strategies for the leadership of SEN provision in situated practice.

Formative assessments will include tutor-facilitated online discussions, creating and maintaining a reflective journal, the collaborative exploration of specialist sources in workshop sessions and work in progress papers arising from assignment preparation involving tutor and peer feedback.

  • 100% coursework

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Each module features six days of learning activities. These include a mixture of on-campus events, live online events and on-demand events throughout the year, enabling you to fit your learning experience around your work commitments.

Who teaches this course?

The tutors for your course are experienced practitioners in the field of SEN/D and inclusive education. They continue to be actively involved in a range of education related activities, such as further study, research and direct work with schools, community stakeholders and other educational settings.

Dr Paty Paliokosta

Dr Paty Paliokosta

Course director and admissions tutor

Fees for this course

2021/22 fees for this course

Home 2021/22

PgCert part time: £2,600

2020/21 fees for this course

Home and European Union 2020/21

PgCert part time £2,500

Please note that fees relate to the academic year in question and will increase in future years.

If you require a visa to reside in the UK (this includes a Student Visa), you will not be able to enrol on a part-time programme at the University.

For courses that can be studied part time, the part-time fees are for students entering Year 1. The fees for students entering Year 2 in the following year will remain the same. Fees may increase for students entering Years 1 and 2 in future years.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

Funding

Visit our Fees and funding page to find out about the student funding options available to help you fund your postgraduate studies.
Discounts for Kingston University alumni

Kingston University is pleased to offer a 10% discount on full-time and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees (including PGCE courses) to its alumni. Visit our Alumni discount page to find out more.

Facilities

The Kingston Hill campus features an outdoor learning environment where trainee teachers lead curriculum-linked natural sciences activities with children. It includes a specially built 'cubby house', outdoor pond, beehive and nature trail. It offers early years students the opportunity to simulate teaching and learning with natural materials.

There are a number of teaching rooms set up to replicate actual classrooms. Each classroom is subject based – such as an art room, science lab – and is equipped with all the relevant facilities you will need to practise your lessons before taking them into school.

Our library (the Nightingale Centre) has an excellent range of teaching resources to help you plan and teach your lessons, such as a range of children's topic books, music and nursery rhymes on CD, as well as artefacts and kits that can be used to illustrate historical periods, different religions, science, mathematics and music.

Facilities

After you graduate

The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) PgCert will enable you to fulfil the role of a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in an interprofessional community, and may lead to promotion opportunities in your organisation. 

After completing the PGCert in NASENCO, you could further your research studies by using the credits gained to progress onto the Master of Research (Education), which in turn provides a foundation for doctoral study.

What our students say

The interactive mode of learning is very positive, it allows for an exchange of ideas, knowledge and skills. The programme brings together a rich diversity of experiences and skills, which improves and enhances the learning process. It provides an excellent opportunity to network with other people from different local authorities and I have enjoyed feeling part of a postgraduate community.

Student, National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination PgCert

Research areas

Research undertaken by groups in the School of Education, in different age phases, will be relevant to this course as will research on professional and interprofessionally practice in the HSCE faculty.

Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19

Course information (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Composition of the course

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and, therefore, we do not anticipate having to make any further changes to the course, i.e. number of modules or credits in a year, in response to issues arising from the pandemic. However, if this becomes necessary, the changes will be highlighted to students via email before enrolment.

Unless government advice instructs otherwise, Study Abroad programmes will take place in 2021/22. The safety of all our students is paramount, therefore, as per normal practice, all Study Abroad activities must also be approved by the University's insurers to ensure that students are adequately protected during their period abroad. We will provide updates as the pandemic situation stabilises and/or further government advice is released.

Changes can be made to courses as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and in response to feedback from students and other key stakeholders. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Modules

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and, therefore, we do not anticipate having to make any further changes to module titles and summaries or to the availability of modules in response to issues arising from the pandemic.

Changes can be made to modules as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to module titles, module summaries and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Length of course

We expect to deliver the course within the planned timescales to enable successful students to progress through and graduate from the course without delay.

In exceptional circumstances the sequence of learning and teaching activities may be changed in 2021/22, e.g. moving those modules which can be delivered more effectively to the first teaching block and moving back those – such as practical modules and placements – which may be more difficult to deliver due to some ongoing restrictions.

In some cases, it may be necessary to delay placement modules which may then impact the length of the course. In these circumstances the University will guide students through the appropriate options available to ensure students are able to make informed choices.

Entry requirements (changes for 2021/22 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a direct result of the pandemic.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a direct result of the pandemic.

Teaching (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

As we transition from the pandemic restrictions, we expect to steadily increase the proportion of on-campus teaching. We will continue to provide a proportion of online learning, as experience has shown that this enriches and supports the student learning experience.

If the pandemic affects teaching and learning activities in 2021/22 more than we currently anticipate, the proportion of online learning will increase. However, unless a lockdown is enforced, we will ensure that all courses provide a reasonable percentage of their teaching and learning activities on campus.

Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you should still be able to engage with your course remotely in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, for example on courses with high practical content, your course team will be able to advise you on the options available to you.

Changes to teaching in the event of a further lockdown or adjustments in government advice

The University will continue to closely monitor government announcements and advice in relation to the pandemic and, where required, will take any necessary action in order to comply with such advice.

In the event that a further lockdown is enforced in 2021/22 the University will aim to deliver the course fully online once more. The majority of our courses are prepared to be delivered fully online if the situation requires it. Where the quality of the student experience may be compromised, or the course is unable to be delivered fully online, the University may need to suspend the delivery of that course until a time that it can be delivered. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled learning and teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours were not and will not be made as a direct result of the pandemic.

‘Scheduled learning and teaching' includes teaching delivered online, either live or recorded/on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. up to December 2021) should be available by the end of August. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2022) will not be available until the autumn. We make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible.

In 2020/21 it was agreed that scheduled learning and teaching could take place on any day of the week between 9am and 9pm, to maximise the time available for teaching in order to accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing. This meant we sometimes had to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. If we need to accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing in 2021/22 we expect to adopt a similar approach. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Assessment (changes for 2021/22 entry)

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and, therefore, do not anticipate having to make any further changes to the course, i.e. to the overall methods of assessments, in response to issues arising from the pandemic. However, if this becomes necessary, the changes will be highlighted to students via email before enrolment.

Changes are made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area and in response to feedback received from students and other key stakeholders. Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

If social distancing or lockdown restrictions are in place in 2021/22, online alternative options to formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be made available to students where possible.

Staff (changes for 2021/22 entry)

No changes are expected to the general level of experience or status of staff involved in delivering the course.

Staff are engaged in Continuous Professional Development activities to develop their teaching expertise, as part of the normal enhancement processes, to ensure that course teams have the required breadth of expertise.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2021/22.

Additional costs (e.g. field trips, materials, equipment, etc.)

As we transition from the pandemic restrictions, we expect to be able to increase student access to on-campus facilities. Students will therefore have access to University computers and library facilities.

If, due to an increase in social distancing requirements or the enforcing of a lockdown, it becomes necessary to significantly increase the proportion of teaching delivered online, students will need a personal laptop or computer and access to the internet to participate in online teaching and learning activities. Students who are able to travel will have access to computers on campus, however, it should be noted that access to on-campus facilities might be restricted if social distancing requirements are enforced.

The University is committed to supporting students who are unable to access suitable technology to ensure equity of access in a blended delivery mode.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2021/22. Currently there are no indications from the UK government that there will be any changes to government funding arrangements.

Fees and funding for international students

There will be no changes to published tuition fees or funding arrangements specifically relating to international students for 2021/22.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. BSc (Hons), MSc, etc., as a direct result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses, including the qualification awarded (although very rare), as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area. Any changes made to the qualification awarded for the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Accreditation

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and in accordance with any professional body requirements. We do not anticipate making any further changes to courses in response to any issues arising from the pandemic and which would put at risk any professional body accreditation status.

Additional (changes for 2021/22 entry)

International students should maintain awareness of the UK government's and their home country's government advice on possible travel restrictions. The University will closely monitor advice and guidance published by the UK government and assess its impact on our international students. Appropriate advice and guidance will be provided as and when required.