PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice

Program Overview

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This postgraduate program in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead and guide effective provision and practice for children with SEND. Delivered via distance learning, the program offers flexibility and access to a range of learning materials and resources. Upon completion, graduates will be able to develop and implement effective SEND provision, lead change, and work collaboratively with colleagues and parents.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL)

This postgraduate program is designed for professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge and understanding of effective provision and practice for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The program reflects the diverse contexts of practitioners across the globe who are interested in working with children and young people with SEND. It aims to provide weekly opportunities to put learning into practice and evaluate its impact.

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Objectives:

• Develop a critical understanding of inclusive education and its impact on pupil participation and outcomes.
• Analyze evidence about learning and teaching in relation to a range of specific needs to positively improve practice.
• Examine how a range of SEND affect pupils' participation and learning, including social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Learn strategies for removing barriers and planning for pupils with specific learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorders.
• Develop effective leadership skills and critically reflect on leadership attributes and their impact on provision and practice for children with SEND.
• Learn how to make decisions in challenging situations and communicate effectively with colleagues, parents, and other professionals.
• Self-evaluate leadership strengths and areas for development.
• Explore the role of leadership and professional challenges in supporting and promoting a culture of professional learning to improve outcomes for pupils.

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Program Description:

This program is offered via distance learning, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world. It is designed to be flexible and can be fitted around your work commitments. The program is taught through the University of Sunderland's Virtual Learning Environment, which provides access to learning materials, e-books, e-journals, relevant websites, and multimedia. The program is divided into two core modules:

• The Practitioner as a Professional Guide for those Working with Children and Young People with SEND (30 credits)
• The Practitioner as Leader for those Working with Children and Young People with SEND (30 credits)
These modules are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively lead and guide provision and practice for children with SEND.

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Other:

• The program is aimed at professionals who are already working with children and young people with SEND.
• Applicants are required to hold at least a second-class honours degree (usually a 2:1) or equivalent.
• The program is offered for £2,500.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Special educational needs and disabilities
• Inclusive education
• Learning and teaching
• Leadership
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Professional learning
• Child development
• Mental health
• Social and emotional development
• Specific learning difficulties
• Autism spectrum disorders

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Program Structure:

• The program is divided into two core modules, each with 30 credits.
• The modules are delivered through the University of Sunderland's Virtual Learning Environment.
• You will have access to a range of learning materials, including e-books, e-journals, websites, and multimedia.
• Weekly opportunities are provided to put learning into practice and evaluate its impact.
You can study at your own pace and around your work commitments.

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Individual Modules:

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The Practitioner as a Professional Guide for those Working with Children and Young People with SEND

• This module will help you develop a critical understanding of inclusive education and its impact on pupil participation and outcomes.
• You will learn how to analyze evidence about learning and teaching in relation to a range of specific needs to positively improve practice.
• You will examine how a range of SEND affect pupils' participation and learning, including social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• You will learn strategies for removing barriers and planning for pupils with specific learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorders.

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The Practitioner as Leader for those Working with Children and Young People with SEND

• This module will help you develop effective leadership skills and critically reflect on leadership attributes and their impact on provision and practice for children with SEND.
• You will learn how to make decisions in challenging situations and communicate effectively with colleagues, parents, and other professionals.
• You will self-evaluate leadership strengths and areas for development.
• You will explore the role of leadership and professional challenges in supporting and promoting a culture of professional learning to improve outcomes for pupils.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program is assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, presentations, and case studies.
• You will also be required to complete a reflective practice portfolio.

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Assessment Criteria:

• The assessment criteria will vary depending on the assessment method.
• However, all assessments will be marked against the following criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding
• Critical thinking
• Analysis and evaluation
• Communication
• Reflection

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program is taught through a variety of methods, including online lectures, tutorials, and independent study.
• You will also have access to a range of online resources, including e-books, e-journals, and websites.

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified professionals.
• The program leader has extensive experience in the field of special educational needs and disabilities.
• The module leaders are all experts in their respective fields.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program is designed to be flexible and can be fitted around your work commitments.
• The program is taught through the University of Sunderland's Virtual Learning Environment, which provides access to a range of learning materials and resources.
• The program is delivered by a team of experienced and qualified professionals.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
• Teacher
• Teaching assistant
• Educational psychologist
• Child psychologist
• Social worker

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Opportunities:

• The program will open up a range of opportunities for you to work with children and young people with SEND.
• You will be able to work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community organizations.

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Outcomes:

• Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:
• Develop and implement effective provision and practice for children with SEND.
• Lead and manage change in relation to SEND.
• Work effectively with colleagues, parents, and other professionals.
• Reflect on your own practice and identify areas for development.

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Other:

• The University of Sunderland has an excellent reputation in training, guiding, and supporting professionals in effective teaching and learning approaches for children with SEND.
• The program is accredited by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL).
• The program is also recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (CATE).