PgCert National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination

Program Overview

The PgCert National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (DL) at Sunderland University is a distance learning program that equips professionals with the skills and knowledge to become qualified SENCOs. The program focuses on developing leadership and professional guidance skills alongside practical knowledge of SEND policies, legislation, and teaching strategies. Graduates will have the expertise to identify, assess, and address the needs of children with SEND in various educational settings.

Program Outline

PgCert National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (DL) at Sunderland University:

Delivery Mode:

Distance Learning (DL)

Credits:

60

Duration:

1 year

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge required to be a qualified SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) in accordance with the legal requirement within three years of taking the post.
• Enhance professionals' skills and knowledge in leading and reflecting on teaching and learning for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
• Develop participants' understanding of SEND policies and legislation, alongside the necessary strategies and interventions to support children with SEND.

Description:

This program allows professionals to study around work commitments while gaining the necessary qualifications for a SENCO role. The course focuses on developing leadership and professional guidance skills alongside practical knowledge of SEND policies, legislation, and teaching strategies. Graduates will have the expertise to identify, assess, and address the needs of children with SEND in mainstream schools, early years settings, and other educational environments.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• The program is divided into two 30-credit modules, both at level 7 (master's level).
• The modules are delivered through distance learning with support from the Programme Leader and Module Leaders.
• Assessments include a small-scale practitioner enquiry and a critical incident report.

Modules:

The Special Educational Needs Coordinator as the Professional Guide (30 credits):

• Explores the benefits and challenges of interventions for pupils with SEND, including gifted and talented individuals.
• Investigates and evaluates current educational policy and practice in inclusive education, focusing on pupil participation and outcomes.
• Critically reflects on national policies and legislation, analyzing their implementation at school level.
• Utilizes relevant theory, research, and inspection evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
• Examines the impact of socio-economic background, ethnicity, looked after and adopted status, and language and communication on children's learning.

The Special Educational Needs Coordinator as the Leader (30 credits):

• Studies strategic development of person-centered and inclusive policies, priorities, and practices for pupils with SEND.
• Investigates, evaluates, and reflects on the characteristics of highly effective leadership.
• Explores the role of leadership and professional challenge in supporting and promoting a culture of professional learning and improvement.
• Utilizes relevant theory and research to share best practices with senior leadership, governors, colleagues, and other organizations.

Course Schedule:

The program is delivered through distance learning with flexible study schedules allowing participants to fit it around their existing commitments. The course materials are accessible online through the Virtual Learning Environment, offering a convenient and accessible learning experience.

• Small-scale practitioner enquiry.
• Critical reflection on own practice.
• Application of theory and research to real-world scenarios.
• Effective communication and presentation of evidence.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Distance learning program delivered through online resources and virtual learning environment.
• Guided by the Programme Leader and Module Leaders.
• Supported by online tutorials and discussion forums.
• Access to additional learning resources like e-books, journals, and research papers.

Faculty:

• Led by qualified and experienced educators in the field of SEND.
• Faculty members possess expertise in various areas of special educational needs and inclusive education.

Unique Approaches:

• Focus on developing leadership skills alongside practical knowledge of SEND.
• Flexible distance learning format allows for study around work commitments.
• Portfolio-based assessment allows for demonstration of skills and knowledge in a practical context.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in mainstream schools.
• SENCO in early years settings.
• SENCO in other educational environments.
• Other roles in Special Educational Needs provision.

Opportunities:

• Career progression within existing educational settings.
• Opportunities to lead and influence the development of inclusive educational practices.
• Increased job prospects in the growing field of Special Educational Needs.

Outcomes:

• Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead and manage the provision for pupils with SEND.
• Participants will have access to a dedicated online library and support services.
• Sunderland University provides career guidance and employability support to help graduates achieve their career goals.

Please note:

This program information is based on the provided context and may be subject to change. Please refer to the official Sunderland University website for the most up-to-date information.