CACHE Special Needs Pathway

Level 3 Early Years SENCO Qualification Specification 


Purpose of the qualification specification


The NCFE Level 3 SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) Certificate is a qualification designed for professionals working in the field of special educational needs. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively support and coordinate provision for children with special educational needs in educational settings.  

 


 

This certificate suits individuals already working in education, particularly those responsible for special educational needs coordination within their institution. It is also relevant for those aspiring to become SENCOs or enhance their knowledge and skills. 


Career prospects

  • Completing the NCFE Level 3 SENCO Certificate can enhance career prospects for individuals working in education, particularly in roles related to special educational needs coordination.
  • The certificate may also open up opportunities for progression into leadership and management positions within SEN provision.

International recognition and accreditation

  • The NCFE Level 3 SENCO Certificate is an internationally recognized qualification in over 190 countries.
  • It is accredited by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) and is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), ensuring its quality and credibility.
  • The certificate is also recognized by ADEK, KHDA, SPEA, and MOE.


A broad range of optional units have been identified to provide as much flexibility as possible for the learner to focus on the units that provide what they need to know and are relevant to their role.

Early Years SENCO qualification will include the following:
 

1. Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities. 

2. Support person-centered thinking and planning. 

3. Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings.

4. Supporting colleagues in their work with children with SEN. 

5. Liaising with professionals or agencies beyond the setting.


 

Duration

6 weeks - 2 months

Teaching Hours

3 hours per week

Entry Requirements  

Learners must have a relevant CACHE Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent.

How will I be assessed? 

Portfolio of evidence and written assignments. 

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Level 4 Early Years SEND Qualification Specification

This qualification is designed for early years practitioners already working in a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) related role. They wish to progress to leadership and management roles and responsibilities, leading best practices for their setting.


This qualification offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It is aimed at Level 3 Early Years practitioners in a private, voluntary, or independent setting, progressing from the Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings. 




You must achieve 3 mandatory units and will gain knowledge, understanding, and skills concerning:

  • Leadership and management within early years SENCO and SEND-related roles.
  • Leading effective practice in a SENCO role.
  • Evaluating SEND provision for effective practice.
  • Led change to improve SEND provision. 
  • Undertaking practitioner-led inquiry. Upon achieving this qualification, you can progress to a lead SENCO or SEND-related role or higher learning about Special Education Needs and other relevant sectors. 


This qualification is suitable for you if you are interested in pursuing a career in any of the following areas: 


  • Early years
  • Childhood studies 
  • Community, youth, and families 
  • Social work 
  • Health and social care 
  • Primary teaching 


Qualification structure: Learners must achieve three (3) mandatory units

 

Unit 1

Leading effective practice in the role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) within Early Years Settings

 

Unit 2

Evaluate Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) provision for effective practice within an Early Years Setting


Unit 3

Lead change to inform Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) provision in an Early Years Setting


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Duration

8 weeks going up to 3-6 months

Teaching Hours

3 hours per week

Entry Requirements  

Learners MUST hold a CACHE Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent and work as an experienced Early Years Practitioner in a lead SENCO/SEND role.

How will I be assessed? 

Portfolio of evidence and written assignments.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

The NCFE Cache Level 4 Certificate for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a recognized qualification designed for individuals working in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support learners with special educational needs and disabilities effectively. It enables learners to fulfil the career of Special Education Coordinator in early childhood centers and schools.

This certificate suits various individuals, including those currently working as Special Educational Needs Teachers aiming to be Special Education Coordinators (SENCOs), Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), or other positions within educational settings supporting learners with SEND. It is also relevant for individuals aspiring to work in such roles.

The course typically covers various topics related to SEND, including understanding the legislative framework and policies surrounding SEND, strategies for supporting learners with specific learning difficulties, behavior management techniques, and effective communication approaches.

Assessment methods include a combination of written assignments, professional discussions, observations of practice, and portfolio building. Learners are typically required to demonstrate their understanding and application of knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.

The course typically covers various topics related to SEND, including understanding the legislative framework and policies surrounding SEND, strategies for supporting learners with specific learning difficulties, behavior management techniques, and effective communication approaches.

Learners should hold a Level 3 qualification in a related area or demonstrate equivalent experience.

Graduates of the NCFE Cache Level 4 SEND Certificate may pursue various career paths within the field of SEND, including roles such as SENCO, Learning Support Coordinator. The qualification can also enhance career prospects and opportunities for professional development within existing roles.

The NCFE Cache Level 4 SEND Certificate is internationally recognized over 190 countries. It is accredited by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) and is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), ensuring its quality and credibility. ADEK, KHDA, SPEA and MOE also recognize it.

We are affiliated with a variety of nurseries and schools which will help to complete your placement hours. As for recruitment we will provide you with a training about employment as complementary after completing your course duties.

Is there a required reading list?

Study materials are provided within your learning pack, but you will be required to conduct additional independent research to complete assignments successfully and meet required criteria. For additional information contact us.

The NCFE Cache Level 3 SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) Certificate is a qualification designed for professionals working in the field of special educational needs. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively support and coordinate provision for children with special educational needs in educational settings.

This certificate suits individuals already working in education, particularly those responsible for special educational needs coordination within their institution. It's also relevant for those aspiring to become SENCOs or enhance their knowledge and skills.

The course covers various topics, including understanding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), legislation and frameworks governing SEN provision, effective strategies for identifying and assessing SEN, collaborative working with parents, carers, and external agencies, and leadership and management in SEN provision.

The course is delivered through Zoom Platform and is over 6 weeks long.

The course lasts 6 weeks for the theoretical and another 6 weeks to complete observation and practical hours.

Candidates should have relevant experience working in education settings and a good understanding of special educational needs. A cache level 3 or equivalent is required in certain instances, but cache level 2 or equivalent may be accepted.

Assessment methods are written assignments, observations, presentations and work evidence.  

What are the career prospects after completing the course?

Completing the NCFE Cache Level 3 SENCO Certificate can enhance career prospects for individuals working in education, particularly in special educational needs coordination roles. It may also open up opportunities for progression into leadership and management positions within SEN provision.

Yes, the NCFE Cache Level 3 SENCO Certificate is an internationally recognised qualification in over 190 countries. It is accredited by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) and is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), ensuring its quality and credibility. ADEK, KHDA, SPEA and MOE also recognise it.

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