HFL Education are proud to be working with the National Society for Education (NSE), Church of England & Church in Wales (NSE), a DfE approved Lead Provider.  

NSE’s teaching cycle of Activate, Teach, Participate and Apply is a template for great learning. This unique blended pathway gives a range of dynamic study experiences and incorporates an important emphasis on coaching and application of learning.

NSE’s principles provide an inclusive approach for all schools, and it is important to note that we work with schools and settings across all phases of education and of all types whether faith or non-faith based. We also work with maintained and independent special schools, alternative provision, the post-16 sector and education staff in the wider education sector.

This course will:

• take between 18 and 22 months to complete (18 months taught and 3 to 4 months assessment window)
• involve an average of 1 to 2 hours of study each week
• be a mix of self-study, online group sessions and 1 face-to-face day for each of the 5 teaching cycles (see diagram)
• ensure participants receive 12 hours of coaching across the duration of the course which will be in groups of no more than 8 and will be held online, with the exception of the final unit, where the coaching group will engage in a local school visit followed up by the final 2 hour coaching session

To successfully gain your NPQ for SENCOs qualification, you will need to complete the course and pass one written assessment of between 1,500 and 2,500 words at the end of the course.

Successful completion of the NPQ for SENCOs ensures you can legally carry out the role of SENCO in a mainstream school (including academies and free schools) in England.

Qualifications required to work as a SENCO in England. The SENCO:

• must be a qualified teacher or a headteacher / acting headteacher (or equivalent in the case of an academy school)
• must have satisfactorily completed the required induction period (Section 135A of the Education Act 2002)
• must be working as a teacher at the school
• must have completed the mandatory SENCO qualification within 3 years of coming into post i.e. the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or from Autumn 2024 NPQ for SENCOs

Please note:

a) SENCOs appointed before 1 September 2009 are not required to take the NPQ, but will be expected to ensure compliance with the regulations.

b) SENCOs who have already obtained the NASENCO do not need to complete the NPQ.

Entry requirements for the course take into consideration the current legislation for SENCOs outlined above, in addition the course may be suitable for SENCOs and aspiring SENCOs in a mainstream school or academy, independent school, special school, alternative provision setting or 16-19 organisation. This means it may be suitable for staff carrying out one or more of the following roles:

• 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
• Staff who support the SENCO, either formally as a deputy SENCO or leading a particular area of SEND provision within the school

Please note you don’t have to have secured a SENCO post to undertake this course and some applicants may not have QTS. However it is important that you reflect on the NPQ for SENCOs Content Framework which sets out what participants should know and be able to do after completing the qualification.

• You will gain the knowledge and confidence to work with leaders across the school / setting to develop a culture in which pupils with SEND can participate meaningfully and achieve ambitious outcomes.
• You will gain an understanding of the skills of leadership, management and coordination which underpin the strategic and operational role of the SENCO.
• The blended delivery model should make your journey through the course manageable whilst providing different ways to interact with the course content. For example, online self-study can be organised to suit your professional and personal commitments. The synchronous webinars will give opportunity for real-time discussion with colleagues and the local face-to-face days of which there will be 5 (evenly spaced throughout the 18-month period) will be facilitated in a way to maximise discussion and build local networks.
• The coaching element of the course is designed to take into account practical application of knowledge within your own context.

• All new-to-role SENCOs must successfully complete the NPQ for SENCOs within three years of coming into post. Completion of this NPQ within the specified timeframe will ensure you are statutorily compliant.
• Many schools and settings support experienced teachers and leaders to complete the course as aspiring SENCOs, mindful of the importance of succession planning.
• A SENCO who has successfully completed the NPQ for SENCOs with HFL Education will provide strong leadership and a strategic approach to developing policy and practice aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Schools and settings will gain knowledge of national and local SEND policy and practice through your SENCO / aspiring SENCO accessing the course content and by regular networking opportunities provided through the local delivery mechanism

Funding for the autumn 20206 cohort is available for teachers and leaders in publicly-funded schools (including maintained nursery schools) and 16 to 19 educational settings in England.