Programme details

Serco is an approved and experienced training provider for the National Award for SEN Coordination (course code 110), a training programme designed to support the professional development of SENCOs. 

The programme is delivered by experienced SENCOs and educational psychologists; is flexible, taking into account your prior learning as well as personal circumstances, and is designed to reduce the impact of time out of school.

All DfE funding has now been allocated, but the Award remains mandatory for all SENCOs appointed since 2009 and new to role SENCOs should achieve the award within 3 years of appointment.

Key elements of the programme:

• Two masters level modules, each of which is worth 30 credits;
• Tutor support - following an initial needs analysis, your tutor will assist you in preparing your own learning programme and supports you throughout the programme;
• An interactive session with your tutor and learning group at the start of each module;
• Online support - discussion groups, networking and seminars;
• Five visits - to other workplaces to gain first hand experience of provision in other settings;
• Mentor support - from within your school or an experienced SENCO;
• Peer support - from within your own cohort, arranged by the tutor;
• Professional development portfolio - to record evidence of learning and experience.

The National Award for SEN Co-ordination incorporates a PG Cert in SEN and Inclusion, validated by the University of Hertfordshire and is worth 60 credits at Masters level.

The modules are:

Module One: The SENCO: Policy into Practice (30 credits)

This module includes units about:

• Perspectives on SEN and Inclusion
• Conflicts and values in SEN, including language, terminology
• Political context (legislation, how this links to their local authority such as the Local offer)
• Consultation and participation (active participation, inclusion or integration)
• Identifying needs and barriers to learning (including some impairment specific material)
• Access, ability and the impact of labels, achievement and attainment within the current system

​Module Two: The SENCO: Leading on Inclusion  (30 credits)

This module includes units about:

• Leadership and management in special and inclusive education
• Implications for whole school development of inclusion (where are you on this journey?)
• The role of leadership, the SMT, staff and governors (ethos, future steps etc.)
• The role of support staff; pupil voice and parental participation
• Improving outcomes and school wide developments (including preparation for inspection)
• Pastoral provision and the whole school community, including exclusions
• Multi-agency working and special and alternative provision within inclusion
• Leading change and supporting professional development

Each module will be assessed through written assignments, with a concluding self recorded presentation at the end of Module 2.

The programme is delivered fully online and each module starts with a WebEx (online conferencing) session, followed by regular online information sessions. 

The programme takes 10 months to complete.  There are 3 intakes a year, with new cohorts starting every January, May and October. Please apply early to avoid disappointment as this is a popular programme. 

Local Group

If you have a group of SENCOs and are interested in forming your own local group, please click here for further information and special rates.

Programme costs

The price for the programme is £1999 + VAT, this can be paid in full at the start of the programme or in two equal payments of £1025 + VAT (includes small admin fee) at the start of each module.

Our next programme starts in October 2023, the application deadline is Friday 15th September 2023.

Further information

Please download the following information to help you with your application;

• Programme Information
• Guidance for schools
• Application form guidance
• FAQs
• Terms and Conditions

Note: to gain the National Award for SEN Coordination, applicants must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS, QTLS or EYTS, including completion of the NQT year).  If you do not know your teachers reference number, please contact Teachers Pensions on 0345 6066166 (8.30am - 6pm Monday to Friday).  For QTS numbers speak to your payroll department.

If you are not a qualified teacher then you may still be eligible to join the programme and receive a Post Graduate Certificate which equates to 60 credits towards your Master's qualification upon successful completion.

Click here to apply for the SENCO Award