National Professional Qualifications
NPQSENCO
We’re really excited to introduce NPQ for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NPQSENCO).
It is aimed at those in a mandatory and existing SENCO role, school leaders or those interested in developing expertise in SEND or becoming a SENCO in the future. We therefore would expect you to either be an existing school leader or to have a proven track record of successful classroom teaching. You’ll be passionate about working with pupils with SEND and keen to develop your leadership skills to create an environment where all pupils can thrive.
SENCOs need to have completed the training and passed the assessment within 3 years of appointment and therefore the final date of the assessment outcome window should be considered the end point for meeting this requirement. For example:
- A SENCO starting the NPQSENCO in October 2024 (Cohort 4a) the end point is 31 July 2026
- A SENCO starting the NPQSENCO In April 2025 (Cohort 4b) the end point is 31 January 2027
It may also benefit:
- Those aspiring to be a SENCO in the near future, whether or not they have secured a role yet;
- Those in a non-statutory ‘SENCO’ role for example in an independent school, special school, alternative provision setting or 16-19 organisation. Staff in these roles may not have QTS;
- Staff who support the SENCO, either formally as a deputy SENCO or leading a particular area of SEND provision within the school;
- Line managers of SENCOs or other senior leaders with responsibility for curriculum, behaviour, pastoral needs or managing provision;
- Those who work outside of a school setting but work closely with SENCOs, e.g. in a local authority.
This 18-month programme (plus 3 to 4 months assessment window) consists of a series of modules based on the DfE’s NPQ framework Each module cycle features:
- Evidence-based online content to refresh and build knowledge, as well as exemplify what this looks like in your context
- A formative assessment task to support your learning
- Online seminars with a group of peers, facilitated by an experienced school leader and SENCO. You’ll analyse and reflect on the task and hear further examples of good practice
- The opportunity to record reflections and consolidate learning
This cycle repeats throughout the programme, with opportunities to consider implementation in every module as well as discrete learning early on, focused specifically on the theory and practice behind effective implementation. This will help you to apply key learning throughout the programme and plan a strategic improvement focused on your context and pupils. There will also be ongoing support through seminar groups and a discussion forum.
You’ll develop essential knowledge, skills and concepts that underpin successful SEND leadership within a school. Modules include: how to develop an inclusive culture; the identification and assessment of SEND; understanding and implementation of statutory SEND legislation; as well as a focus on working in partnership with leaders, families and external agencies.
Our content is informed by a strong and up to date evidence base, developed with input from practising SENCOs and inclusion experts such as the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen). Our programmes have a practical focus. You’ll be supported to understand what makes an effective SENCO and the operational and strategic role you play or will play once in post.
Throughout the programme, you will work alongside other leaders to build a school culture in which pupils with SEND can participate meaningfully in the full life of the school, achieve ambitious outcomes and make successful transitions to their next steps.
Modules include: how to develop an inclusive culture, the identification and assessment of SEND, understanding and implementation of statutory SEND legislation and also a focus on working in partnership with leaders, families and external agencies.
Our content is informed by a strong and up to date evidence base, developed with input from practising SENCOs and inclusion experts such as the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen).
This programme will help you to:
- Co-ordinate special educational needs provision throughout your school
- Work alongside other leaders to build a school culture in which pupils with SEND can participate meaningfully in the full life of the school, achieve ambitious outcomes and make successful transitions to their next steps
- Understand and implement relevant statutory legislation
- Work with practising SENCOs and inclusion experts to turn new learning into changes in your own and others’ practice
- Access a blended learning programme that is full of practical and tangible examples, flexible and tailored to your needs and areas of development
Modules include:
- School culture
- Implementation
- Statutory framework
- Identification and assessment
- Teaching
- Behaviour
- Working in partnership
- Leading and managing provision
- Professional development
Build your understanding of supporting pupils with SEND:
- Develop a clear and ambitious vision for inclusion in your context and community.
- Implement an efficient identification and assessment process
- Support the delivery of effective provision and evidence-informed interventions
- Use a range of data to monitor and evaluate the impact of support.
Grow your skills as a leader of SEND:
- Contribute to a positive and supportive school culture where staff and pupils can thrive
- Help ensure the school’s strategic direction sets ambitious standards for pupils with SEND
- Work with other leaders to support effective curriculum planning and high-quality teaching
- Enable teachers and support staff to implement the graduated approach
- Support senior leaders to enact statutory guidance, including preparation of the SEND Information report and SEN policy.
- Work in partnership with other stakeholders including parents, external agencies and specialists
Draw on a range of experiences and research to inform decision-making in your context
- All modules are rooted in insights from academic research and best available evidence
- You’ll have the opportunity to visit contrasting settings to observe and understand SEND expertise in different contexts
- We’ll provide diverse exemplification of SEND leadership throughout, showcasing a variety of phases and contexts, including mainstream schools and specialist settings.
- As part of each module, you’ll complete a formative assessment task and consider how to apply new learning to your context.
Delivery model, duration and programme breakdown
The NPQEL is delivered using a blend of online ‘live’ seminars, flexible online learning and face-to-face conferences. Over 18 months, you’ll take part in the following learning activities:
Cost and funding
For further information on cost and funding, please visit our NPQ Funding Information page. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility please contact us at tsh@bright-futures.co.uk
Working in partnership with Teach First
Teach First has been an accredited NPQ provider for several years. Following a thorough due diligence process, Bright Futures is delighted to be partnered with Teach First. Teach First has got a strong and proven track record in leadership development. For nearly twenty years, Teach First has trained and developed more than 19,000 teachers and leaders, including 10,000 trainees on its teacher training programme rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Read more here.
How to Apply
Our application window, for NPQs starting in October 2024, will open later in the summer term. Until then you can complete the ‘Expression of Interest’ form NPQ EOI – October 2024 (jotform.com). This will enable us to keep in touch with you and inform you as soon as our application window is open and confirm next steps.
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