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National Award for SEN Coordination

The National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) is a statutory requirement for all newly appointed SENCOs and is an excellent opportunity for professional development for experienced SENCOs.

We offer a leading edge Master’s level programme, delivered by skilled tutors that is designed to transform professional practice.

Ours is a work-based, flexible and practical programme that will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to enhance achievement and maximise impact upon learners with SEN and/or disabilities.

Who is this for: 

The Department for Education (DfE) regulations require school governing bodies to ensure that SENCOs who are new to the role undertake the National Award for SEN Coordination.

What are the benefits: 

May I say that Sue has returned to school after your two day course last week, so enthusiastic and full of ideas that she has swept us up with her – it’s great!

Head Teacher, Devon

This programme will improve your awareness and understanding of professional practice, signpost relevant research, help you develop supportive learning networks and enable you to gain a Post Graduate Certificate in Vulnerable Learners and Inclusion. SENCOs have said that the programme has:

  • led to schools achieving better Ofsted grades
  • helped teachers and TAs to support progress of children with SEN
  • improved confidence in their role
  • refined assessment and processes across the school
  • improved the support for pupils in all areas of SEN

The knowledge and experience I gained doing the NASENCO course had a direct impact on our school achieving an OFSTED grade of outstanding.

SENCO, Bristol

How is it assessed: 

The programme delivers the learning outcomes specified by the TA and 60 Master's level credits, through three elements:

  • Action Research Project - which can be used to demonstrate a significant number of the learning outcomes.
  • Reflective account(s) - focused on specific learning outcomes.
  • E-portfolio evidence drawn from school based activities, for example, policies, procedures and systems that SENCOs have put in place, used, developed or reviewed.

Submission dates are flexible to enable SENCOs to choose their own submission points within two years of the programme start date.

How is it delivered: 

Our programme is delivered nationally in partnership with Bath Spa University (BSU). It incorporates the Postgraduate Certificate in Vulnerable Learners and Inclusion worth 60 credits towards a Master’s (MA) degree.

Courses are scheduled to start in accessible locations across the country in the autumn term.

We offer a flexible combination of blended learning and support opportunities that include:

  • face to face sessions
  • online learning
  • leadership learning groups
  • personal tutor and peer support
  • residential sessions
  • coaching
  • group and national forum

Our three-day face to face workshop programmes typically begin in October/November with day 2 held in January/February and day 3 held in April/May. SENCOs on these programmes receive individual tutor support between days and from day 3 onwards to successful completion

Our two-day residential option has proved to be a popular and highly regarded alternative option. SENCOs from all over the country have attended these programmes, with dinner, accommodation and breakfast included, along with a contribution towards travel costs. SENCOs receive individual tutor support following the residential to complement peer-to-peer support and ensure successful completion

What does it cost: 

Education Regulations now require Governing Bodies to ensure that all SENCOs new to the post from September 2008 achieve the National Award for SEN Coordination within 3 years of appointment.

There are 3 funding streams available:

  • Teaching Agency Funding - If you are the designated SENCO, new to role, working in a maintained school, academy or PRU, you will be able to apply for Teaching Agency funding. If successful in your application, this will mean the course is free for you to do and your school will receive up to £1500 in release costs.
  • Self-Funding - If you are not the designated SENCO but still involved in SEN work at your school, or if you are the designated SENCO but your school is not a maintained school, academy or PRU, you may wish to do the self-funded route. The cost of this is £1500 and you can choose between a 3-Day course or a 2-Day residential course, both with personal tutor support and access to our virtual learning environment
  • Distance Learning - The final option is for experienced SENCOs who would like to do the Distance Learning route. The cost of this is £995.
How do I apply/find out more: 

Registration for 2012/2013 will open at 5pm on 18th May 2012. There will only be 1000 funded places available for this intake so please act swiftly. Visit the DfE site and look for Best Practice Network to apply.

If you wish to apply for the course on a self-funded basis (the full course or Distance Learning) please download our application form and return to:

Registration Team
National Award for SEN Coordination
Best Practice Network,
111-117 Victoria Street,
Bristol, BS1 6AX

Application form: 
SENCO eligibility criteria
nasenco_application_form_0512.docx

NASENCO graduates