At a glance
Course duration
18 Months
1:1 Coaching
Face-to-Face Events
4
Access to research, SEND case studies and self-study modules
Total Learning Hours
90-94 hours
What is the NPQ for SENCOs?
The NPQ for SENCOs is a DfE-accredited qualification.
Replacing the NASENCO qualification, this programme will equip SENCOs with the cutting-edge expertise and leadership skills needed to navigate the evolving SEND landscape and champion inclusive practices within their schools.
Designed in collaboration with leading experts, this programme is informed by all the latest evidence and research.
What are the benefits of completing the NPQ for SENCOs?
The NPQ for SENCO equips you with the practical tools and strategic authority to transform SEND provision and drive lasting school-wide change.
Benefits for participants
Develop your skills and knowledge
Gain a comprehensive understanding of current SEND frameworks, legislation and responsibilities, ensuring you can navigate the role with confidence.
Cultivate an environment for excellence
Support the development of a positive, predictable and safe environment so SEN pupils can thrive. Equip all staff with evidence-based teaching strategies to ensure consistency in every classroom.
Personalised feedback and coaching
Receive high-quality feedback and continuous support from a Leadership Performance Coach and Face-to-Face day facilitators.
Create a unified support network
Build high-trust, seamless partnerships between parents, staff and external agencies to ensure every child is supported.
Benefits for schools
Inclusive school environment
Develop strategic leaders within their schools, playing a pivotal role in shaping whole-school teaching practices and creating inclusive environments where pupils with SEND can thrive.
Informed school leader
A professionally aware and informed leader who can make evidence-based decisions and approach the leading of teaching in an effective and efficient manner. The ability to review and evaluate practice in order to bring about change and get the best outcomes for young people and staff.
Future focused leadership team
Support the succession of school leaders and build a cohesive, impact-focused school leadership team.
Who should apply for the NPQ for SENCOs?
- Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinators (SENCOs)
- Teachers interested in developing expertise in SEND or undertaking a SENCO role
- School leaders
All participants must have the opportunity to apply their learning in their school.
What does the NPQ for SENCOs cost?
The National Professional Qualification for SENCOs costs £1,298 plus VAT if applicable.
Candidates from international schools should visit our NPQ for SENCO international page.
Scholarships
Scholarships will continue to be available to all teachers and leaders from state-funded schools and 16 to 19 educational organisations for the NPQ for SENCOs.
You can use our scholarship checker to find out if your school is eligible, simply enter your URN.
How is the NPQ for SENCOs delivered?
NPQ for SENCOs makes use of a blended delivery model consisting of Face-to-Face events, online study, webinars and coaching.
- Cycle One: Preparing to Practice
- Cycle Two: SEN in Schools
- Cycle Three: Leading SEN
- Cycle Four: Culture and Ethos
- Each cycle includes a mixture of coaching, online study activities and webinars
- 4 all-day Face-to-Face events facilitated by experienced school leaders and facilitators
Online Learning
Participants access online learning and support via our virtual learning environment (VLE) Canvas. Through Canvas, participants are able to engage with their learning communities of peers and access multimedia content. They can also access research and expert-led school practice aligned to the curriculum content for the qualification and receive high-quality feedback from experienced performance coaches.
What will you learn on the NPQ for SENCOs?
The NPQ for SENCOs is designed to equip leaders with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to tackle SEND school improvement priorities, ensure early and accurate identification of needs, lead high-quality teaching across the school and create an inclusive culture. There are four cycles, focusing on:
- Cycle 1: Preparing to Practice
You will learn how to make evidence-informed decisions that lead to sustainable change. You will develop a strategic framework for implementation, focusing on how to plan, prepare, and deliver new initiatives while building the necessary infrastructure to sustain changes over the long term. - Cycle 2: SEN in Schools
You will learn to implement an efficient school-wide identification process that catches barriers to learning at the earliest opportunity, ensuring that stakeholders and families fully understand the purpose and transparency of SEND identification. Beyond assessment, you will work with other leaders to establish and sustain effective curriculum planning, while empowering staff to deliver precise, expert teaching. - Cycle 3: Leading SEN
This cycle teaches you to lead and manage SEN provision by increasing staff understanding of SEND interventions and selecting appropriate, outcome-focused support alongside other leaders. You will learn to effectively implement, monitor, and evaluate the impact of this provision while staying abreast of statutory guidance and research. - Cycle 4: Behaviour
You will learn to shape a safe, inclusive school culture by applying the social model of disability to strategic decision-making and promoting a climate of high aspirations and respect. This includes mastering the delivery of intensive, adapted behaviour support and proactively managing safeguarding risks, such as bullying, to ensure the school environment remains supportive for all pupils.
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Why choose the NPQ for SENCOs with Best Practice Network?
- Coaching: Receive personalised coaching sessions tailored to your specific needs and goals
- Local delivery: Our nationwide delivery partnership network allows us to bring Face-to-Face training to a school near you, facilitated by local school leaders
- Ongoing support and feedback: Personalised feedback on your tasks and support to pass your final assessment
- Proven excellence: Choose an Ofsted rated 'outstanding' provider with over 20 years of experience delivering teacher training.
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Applicants must have full support from their school/organisation. A head teacher, member of the SLT, line manager or Chair of Governors (or similar authoritative role) must confirm their support and that all information submitted is true and correct. This is a Department for Education mandatory requirement.
To apply for NPQ for SENCO, applicants must have the following:
- Teacher Reference Number - see TRN Support Guide
- 2 years teaching experience
- Opportunity to apply learning
If you are unsure if you meet the above requirements or have other relevant experience then please contact our team who will be able to support your application.
SENCOs who have already obtained the NASENCO will not need to complete the new NPQ. From September 2024, all SENCOs will:
- Need to take the NPQ if they have not completed or started the NASENCO
- Still need to complete training within 3 years of appointment – schools and SENCOs must ensure they enrol on training that will meet this requirement
- SENCOs appointed before 1 September 2009 will not be required to take the NPQ but will be expected to ensure compliance with the regulations
The leadership performance coach is a participant’s main point of contact for the duration of the NPQ for SENCOs. Their role is to support a participant’s progress and development through the programme. They will respond to practice task activities completed for each online course and provide challenges and feedback on each of the Formative Assessment Tasks.
Each participant will receive small group and individual coaching sessions from their leadership performance coach to develop their thinking and support their progress.
The DfE’s NPQ for SENCO framework is based on a robust method of design and development, building on the evidence base and expert guidance already established in the ECF and the ITT Core Content Framework. The NPQ frameworks reflect the Teachers’ Standards and Headteachers' Standards to ensure coherency with the requirements already used by the teaching profession.
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