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The National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) at University of Buckingham - UCAS

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2024 - 2025
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Course summary

The University of Buckingham is:

  • Home of the two-year degree, the University of Buckingham, based in the South East of England, is ranked 6th for Student Satisfaction in the UK (National Student Survey, 2020).
  • We are proudly independent and not-for-profit, and offer courses in Allied Health, Business, Computing, Education, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Psychology and Security and Intelligence. We are one of the few universities in the UK that offer September and January start dates for almost all of our courses.
  • Based in Buckingham on a riverside campus, we are only 20 minutes’ from Milton Keynes central station and a short drive from Bicester, Aylesbury, Banbury and Northampton. There is free parking on-site and we are within easy reach of London and Oxford.
  • Our award-winning small class tutorials ensure every student is known by name and supported throughout their studies, including by dedicated personal tutors.
  • As pioneers of the two-year degree, we offer a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you can gain a full honours degree and complete your studies a whole year earlier. Alternatively, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money.
What does the SENCO course intend to do? Develop critically reflective, inclusive practitioners who advocate for SEND and Inclusion to ensure all children have their needs met and increase positive learning outcomes for vulnerable pupils. SENCO accreditation provides both aspiring and trainee SENCOs with a clear pathway towards developing critical, reflective and effective practices in their role. SENCOs explore how to utilise the SEN Code of Practice to ensure meeting all needs of the children in your setting/school. With reference to relevant research and government initiatives, the course draws on effective practice in the teaching and learning of SEND, designed around the Learning Outcomes for SENCOs. In September 2009 it became law for every new SENCO in a mainstream school to gain the National Award for SEN Coordination within 3 years of taking up the post. The course is designed around the Learning Outcomes for SENCOs, specified by the Department for Education, and aims to develop expertise in the leadership of SEND in schools. Trainees will have access to high-quality and interactive programme delivered by SEND specialists and will be provided with experienced tutor support. They will learn how to integrate theory and practice to support the development of their role and in turn, learn how to improve positive outcomes for children with SEND. Trainees who successfully complete 60 Level 7 credits achieve a PGCert in Supporting SEND Through Inclusive Practice and may carry 60 credits towards future study at Master’s level. Course content The course requires attendance at 4 training days at the University of Buckingham and covers the following topics: Introduction to the NASENCO Course: Developing Context for Inclusive Education – SENCOs will demonstrate their professional knowledge and understanding in the legislative context for SEN and will link as evidence application of theoretical concepts that underpin effective leadership and practice The SENCO as an Inclusive Leader: Reflective Writing and Action Research – SENCOs will be required to demonstrate understanding and reflect on their expertise and capabilities needed to lead and coordinate provision effectively. The Critical Professional SENCO: Life & Career of a SENCO – SENCOs will be required to reflect on the personal and professional qualities needed to make a positive impact on the ethos and culture in schools and other settings.

Assessment method

Trainees will be visited by a SENCO tutor twice and engage in weekly guided tasks to support understanding and application of best effective and inclusive practice as a SENCO. A reflective essay (20 credits) Implementing and writing up of an Action Research Project (20 credits) Completion of a Professional SEND Development Portfolio (E-Portfolio) focus is on the student to evidence their own practice within their education institution in order to have met the SEND learning outcomes (20 credits)

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Primary

How to apply

International applicants

With staff and students from over 90 countries around the world, the University enjoys a wonderful and culturally diverse atmosphere. Voted top for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey since 2006, we provide support for students from outside the UK including: assistance with visa application and renewal and a personal tutor to support your academic studies. Academic staff are available to help and advise, and operate an open-door policy. We have the best staff to student ratio of any university in the UK. Our idyllic setting between Oxford and Milton Keynes offers access to a range of cultural and social activities and Bicester Village, the renowned shopping outlet is a short bus ride away. English Language requirements: it is very important that your English level is of a good standard for you to be successful in your studies. All applicants must achieve specific requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Please check our website for more details of the undergraduate or postgraduate language requirements for your course. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Entry requirements

Applicants will: hold Qualified Teacher Status be educated to degree level be employed as a SENCO or have aspirations to become a SENCO in a UK school

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Fees to be confirmed
The National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) at University of Buckingham - UCAS