Skip to content ↓
Share MAT

NPQ SENCO

New for Autumn 2024! 

This new course designed for SENCOs replaces the NASENCO qualification. Participants will become expert leaders of special educational needs and will learn how to build an inclusive culture in their school where all pupils can succeed. 

The following Ambition Institute articles explore the NPQSENCO programme and about leading special educational needs provision in schools:

Ambition Institute: What is the NPQ for SENCO?

Ambition Institute: SEND Provision - Aims, challenges and solutions


Curriculum:

On this programme, you will learn how to:

  • Contribute to establishing and sustaining a positive and supportive culture across the school for all pupils.
  • Support senior leaders to ensure staff and governors enact statutory guidance.
  • Support teachers and support staff to understand the importance of expert teaching for all pupils and to implement a graduated approach in the classroom, subject or domain effectively.
  • Support the delivery of effective provision for pupils with SEND and their families, and be able to review, monitor, evaluate and improve the impact of SEND provision.
  • Work with staff, specialists and other agencies to assist the school in meeting the needs of all pupils.
  • Implement an efficient SEND identification process across the school which ensures that barriers to learning are identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity.
  • Work with and equip fellow leaders with the skills to establish and sustain effective curriculum planning that enables teachers to plan, adapt and teach effectively for all pupils.
  • Support the development of a positive, safe and supportive environment for pupils across the whole school.
  • Ensure all pupils feel motivated in school with a supportive setting to enable them to reach their aspirations and potential.

See the NPQSENCO framework for further details.  


How you will learn:

The content is delivered through blended learning comprising in-person, real-time, interactive online sessions and self-guided modules you complete in your own time.  Over the 18-month course duration, you will attend / complete:

  • 2 x 6hr conferences - one launch conference and a second midway through the programme (in-person).
  • 9 x courses - each course is 6 weeks in length and comprises 6 modules.  You will complete 1 module (50mins) per week.  
  • 6 x 2hr facilitated twilight clinics (online).
  • 5 x 1hr 15mins communities - peer-led group sessions (online or in-person).
  • 1 x 2hr assessment clinic (in-person).
  • Final assessment - written response to a case study to be completed within an 8-day window.

NPQ SENCO programme overview.png


Eligibility:

This is a mandatory qualification for SENCOs. You will need to complete this qualification within the first three years in the role. You must be a current or aspiring SENCO, or a school leader such as a senior leader or headteacher. This NPQ is open to leaders in specialist or alternative provision. 

If you have already obtained the NASENCO, you do not need to complete the NPQ SENCO.


Benefits:

You will be able to excel as a SENCO and be able to develop a strategic SEND provision. 

Your school will benefit from improved SEND strategies and access to the latest SEND learning. 


Funding:

A limited number of funded places to cover the full NPQ cost will be available to some eligible teachers and leaders.  Please see Funding for national professional qualifications (NPQs) - GOV.UK link for details.

If you are unsuccessful in securing a funded place, you or your school can pay the course fee £1,332 + VAT.


Apply:

Applications are now open for Spring 2025 cohorts.  Start your application here >>

  • Please select 'Calderdale & Kirklees Teaching School Hub' as your cohort delivery partner.
  • Please ensure you have read all relevant NPQ programme information - see the Specialist NPQ & Leadership NPQ sections opposite.
  • Apply by Tuesday 18 March to start in April 2025.

Useful Links:

Click on the image opposite to download a copy of our programme guide. 

Or

Contact us for more information or guidance about this NPQ programme.