Level of qualification

In line with the DfE’s published Early Years Level 3 SENCO Qualification Specification, this training is intended for Level 3 Educators working in group provision or as a Childminder. Those qualified below Level 3, or holding a qualification that is not full and relevant for the purposes of meeting the Level 3 ratio requirements in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, are not eligible to access the training offer.

Childminders are eligible if they hold a full and relevant Early Years Level 2 qualification, have completed at least one Early Years Level 3 training module and have significant experience working in Early Years.

This approach is designed to ensure parity between the minimum qualification level of trainees and the level of the SENCo qualification they will be awarded.

Eligible setting types

Within the funding available for this training project, priority has been given to settings where there is the greatest need to increase the number of qualified SENCOs. Training is available to staff identified as a SENCO working in group provision or as a Childminder, as required by section 3.68 of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Staff in other settings mentioned in this section of the EYFS (maintained schools and maintained nursery schools, which are covered by other statutory and legal requirements concerning SENCO provision), and other forms of early years care that is not delivering the EYFS are not eligible to access this training offer.

No. This DfE funded project will provide training for Early Years SENCOs (or Early Years Educators due to take up the role) working in private, voluntary and independent settings and in childminder settings.

Yes. The Early Years Level 3 SENCO qualification specification states; The Early Years SENCO qualification is for a Level 3 Educator. The DfE, with input from key EY sector stakeholders, compiled two documents (“Early Years level 3 SENCo qualification specification” and “Role description of the Early Years special educational needs coordinator”) which are available on gov.uk.

However, Childminders are eligible if they hold a full and relevant Early Years Level 2 qualification, have completed at least one Level 3 training module, and have significant experience working in Early Years. 

Yes. You must be an employee of a setting or a registered Childminder. The primary objective for this DfE funded project is to increase the number of Level 3 qualified SENCOs, available to children in group-based settings and childminder settings, who have the knowledge and skills to fulfil the role of a SENCO described in the code of practice and in the role description.

No. You must be directly employed by the setting.

Best Practice Network has been allocated 9,500 funded places by the DfE over the 2026 to 2028 period. These places will be prioritised in line with the DfE’s identification of types of settings with the greatest need. If your setting falls within the type of criteria for prioritisation, it is extremely likely that you will be offered a place on our programme.

Yes. You must be employed, our programme is flexible to enable part-time employees to complete the programme. All scheduled training days will follow the standard 6-month programme cycle.

As stated by the DfE, training must result in an accredited Level 3 EY SENCO qualification. Best Practice Network is approved by NCFE to deliver the Level 3 Award for SENCOs in Early Years Settings. 

We will offer a range of training sessions to meet the needs of Educators and their settings. At the point of application candidates will be able to select a training preference (morning, afternoon, evening or Saturday AM for Childminders only). We will endeavour to ensure that candidates are put into training groups according to their preference, however, this cannot be guaranteed. The group will then run at the same time each month.

The Level 3 Early Years SENCO qualification is delivered over 6 months through four Online Taught Sessions and Online Study Units. Each of the 4 Online Taught Sessions are 2 hours long and consist of live tutor-led training, incorporating pre-reading tasks, breakout room activities, group discussion and group training. All learners will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment where they will access the online units.

The EY SENCO qualification specification is clear that the number of Guided Learning Hours (GLH) is 24 and the Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 34, although clearly some individual learners may take more or less hours in terms of TQT. The Guided Learning Hours on our programme equate to 12 hours of taught sessions (4 x 3 hours) and an expectation of a minimum of 12 hours online study.

Total Qualification time will include induction to the programme, initial needs analysis, 2 x 45 minute calls with a mentor and assessment activity.

The programme is managed by our Programme Lead. Each group will be supported by two tutors. Individuals will also have a mentor and assessor who will provide support and guidance throughout the programme.

Best Practice Network has a large team who will offer support for all aspects of the programme from application to completion. We have a dedicated helpdesk and IT support team who will assist with any technical issues individuals might face.

• Knowledge that can be learnt