SEN training funding applications open this Friday
The Department for Education has confirmed funding in 2012/13 to train 1000 new SENCOs through the masters-level National Award for SEN Coordination.
This year the scheme has been extended to include qualified teachers working in pupil referral units (PRUs), to support efforts to improve SEN provision.
First come, first served
The 1000 funded places will be allocated to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis, therefore all prospective applicants should visit the application page of the DfE website where full details of the online application process and the list of approved training providers will be available from Friday 18th May 5pm.
What you need to do
Prospective applicants will need their teacher reference number and their schools’ unique reference number in order to register their interest. Twenty five providers offer the National Award for SEN Coordination through a variety of delivery methods including face to face, online and blended learning. A synopsis of each course is listed under each provider on the website.
Once applicants have chosen their preferred provider they should register their interest as soon as possible via the online form. Once one thousand eligible applicants have registered, the Teaching Agency will advise all applicants as to whether they have been successful in gaining a funded place.
Mandatory qualification
The National Award is a mandatory qualification which all SENCOs who are new in role must undertake.
New to the role means:
- in post as a SENCO for a total of less than 12 months (at their present and any previous schools) at the time of starting the course; or
- in post as a SENCO for less than 12 months in the period up to 1 September 2009 and unable to take up a nationally approved course in September 2009 or January 2010.
The law states that SENCOs in all mainstream, state-funded English schools must either be 'experienced', hold the award, or be working towards the award. All prospective applicants must refer to the detailed eligibility criteria for the Award which is available on the website.
The training takes around one year to complete although SENCOs have up to three years from the point at which they are designated as a lead SENCO in which to receive the qualification. Final responsibility for ensuring the school’s compliance lies with the school’s governing body.
