COURSE OVERVIEW

The University of Winchester has been providing this successful training programme since 2009 when the award was introduced nationally. The course is designed to support the continuing professional development of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos). We work with you to build on your existing skills to ensure that you are able to fulfil the requirements of the National Outcomes Framework and that you grow in confidence in your role in leading on inclusion.

You will learn about the importance of your role as a leader. You will gain an understanding of the professional context of your role and be supported in the strategic development of SEN Policy and Procedures. You will develop your skills as a co-ordinator of effective support for children and young people with special educational needs. You will learn how to provide support and training for your setting and develop your skills of working in partnership with pupils, families and other professionals. You will be expected to critically reflect on a range of additional educational needs and the issues surrounding improving educational outcomes for all pupils.

Learning and teaching

You will be a post-graduate student with full access to the University’s resources. Study will encompass:

• Mentoring
• University and Local Authority (LA) based learning networks with face-to-face days provided in different venues.
• Three written assignments that will be matched against the SENCo standards (see Assessment)
• Online training and support
• Assessment

The assessed part of the course is divided into four parts:

• An audit mapped against the Standards for SENCos leading to an action plan
• A 10 credit module which will enable you to consider the debates in the professional practice of the SENCo. This will be a critical account of 2,000 words in an area of debate in an aspect of policy or practice. This will be due by the end of the first term.
• A 20 credit module which will allow you to examine professional practice. You will be expected to engage with literature and evidence to develop an in-depth examination of professional practice that is relevant to you and your setting. (4,000 words)
• An individual practitioner enquiry (30 points) which will enable you to report on a chosen area of education at a critical level. This 6,000 word module will allow you to undertake a workplace enquiry that will address one of the areas identified in your action plan.

The 60 credits gained from the National Award are a step towards the attainment of a Masters Degree such as the MA Education for which 180 credits are required in total.