Course summary
The NA-SENCO is a mandatory qualification for all Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) new to the role in mainstream schools, who must successfully complete the award within three years of appointment to the role of SENCO.
Completing the NA-SENCO at Bishop Grosseteste will develop your professional skills and understanding so that you are able to carry out the role of the school SENCO confidently and successfully in educational settings.
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About this course

The NA-SENCO comprises two modules:
Module 1: Professional Knowledge and Understanding of SEND
In this module you will develop a professional knowledge and understanding of SEND within the national and local context, making clear links to the SEND Code of Practice (2015). You will consider how the leadership of SEND can affect pupils’ participation and learning and explore strategies that can improve outcomes for these pupils.
Module 2: Leading and Co-ordinating Provision for Pupils with SEND
This module will focus on the leadership of provision for pupils with SEND. This will enable you to explore effective leadership in the area of SEND, equip you with strategies for evaluating the progress of pupils and develop your knowledge of systems to ensure that pupils make progress. The module will also consider how to effectively work alongside other stakeholders such as parents, school staff, governors and outside support agencies.
Entry requirements
To undertake the NA-SENCO you must have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status (QTLS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
- Support from the head teacher of an appropriate educational setting.
How you will be taught
There are five taught face-to-face days at BGU’s campus in Lincoln through the academic year.
In addition to these taught days, there are five flexible workplace-based learning days which involve school-based activities.
You will also have access to a dedicated virtual learning environment and support from tutors at the university throughout your time on the course.
Dates for 2023/24 |
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Friday 6th October 2023 |
Friday 12th January 2024 |
Friday 1st March 2024 |
Friday 26th April 2024 |
Friday 5th July 2024 |
Assessment
The assessment for the NA-SENCO at Bishop Grosseteste has been carefully designed to allow you to meet the Learning Outcomes set by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) and also meet the academic standards required for study at master's level. Assessments include:
- Written assignments (1 x 4000 words in module 1; 1 x 1500 words in module 2).
- An assessed professional conversation about your role as a SENCO in module 1.
- A presentation about a small-scale practitioner enquiry that is undertaken in module 2.
Successful completion of each module is worth 30 master's-level credits.
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Support
To apply for 2023 entry, please download the application form here.
For further details on applying for this course, please contact steven.mcnichol@bishopg.ac.uk.
Fees & Finance
Discounts on fees for the NA-SENCO are available to BGU alumni and those with an existing degree. You can find full information on all our fees on our Fees & Funding page.
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