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Level 3 Award in the Principles of a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator
VTCT Skills Level 3 Award in the Principles of a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator · Ofqual 610/4735/1 · VTCT code ET3A2 · VTCT Skills
To provide learners with the knowledge and understanding needed to understand special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and the process of early intervention, the legislation and statutory guidance which impact on SEND, and the role and responsibilities of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), including the local offer and support available for SEN.
- Theory
- Online, at your own pace
- In the clinic
- No practical days
- Course plan
- 8 online modules
- Guided learning
- 89 hours
Course plan
What the course includes
8 online modules on the KCLINICS Academy platform, studied at your own pace, then assessment online. The plan comes from our scheme of work for this qualification.
- Online lesson
- PDF learning material
- Video demonstrations
- Written homework
After the induction, each module has an online lesson, PDF learning material and written homework. Most modules also have video demonstrations and a quiz, and each unit ends with an online module test.
- Course induction and VTCT Skills registration
- Video demonstration: how to use the KCLINICS Academy website (online learning, tests, homework and portfolio)
- Overview of the portfolio of evidence
- Learning agreement and code of conduct
- Introduction to all units, learning outcomes and assessment requirements
Includes video demonstrations.
- Health and safety in education and early years settings
- Safeguarding children and young people with SEND
- Confidentiality, data protection and information sharing
- Promoting inclusion, equality and diversity
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of special educational needs provision
- Difference between special educational needs and disabilities
- Medical and social models of disability
- The four areas of need: communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health, sensory and/or physical needs
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Benefits of early intervention
- Identifying and assessing special educational needs
- The graduated approach: assess, plan, do, review
- Working in partnership with parents and carers
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Legislation which protects children with SEND, including the Equality Act 2010 and the Children and Families Act 2014
- Principles and statutory guidance of the SEND Code of Practice
- SEN support and Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plans
- Rights of children, young people and their families
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Role and responsibilities of the SENCO
- The SENCO in private, voluntary and independent early years settings
- Supporting and advising colleagues and keeping records
- Liaising with professionals, agencies and services beyond the setting
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- The local offer and the provision expected from early years providers
- Support available for children, young people and families
- Multi-agency working and transition between settings
- Funding and specialist services
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Assessing own skills and competencies as a SENCO
- Identifying gaps and next steps in professional development
- Completion of the portfolio of evidence
- Student evaluation
- Tutor evaluation
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
Take the course plan with you
Every module, practical day and assessment for the Level 3 Award in the Principles of a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator, as a PDF.
No practical days. Everything, including the assessment, is completed online.
- Equipment
- Computers/tablets, observation and assessment records.
- Safety
- Learners to follow the health and safety policies of the training centre and of their own setting. Learners to understand safeguarding procedures for children and young people with SEND and to follow confidentiality and data protection requirements when using examples from the workplace.
Units and assessment
How you are assessed
1 unit
- BB3Understanding SEND
While you learn
- Online quizzes and module tests
- Written homework
- Tutor feedback on the platform
Towards your certificate
- Practical observations/assessments
- Case studies
- Portfolio of evidence
No external examination. The qualification is awarded on your portfolio and observed assessments.
Entry and progression
Before you start
Learners must be 18 or over to enrol (KCLINICS Academy policy). There are no formal entry requirements, but you must be able to gather evidence for the qualification in your workplace.
Level 3: Advanced therapist level, the same level as an A level.
Before this course
No previous qualification needed.
This course
Level 3 Award in the Principles of a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator
Leads to: Tutor, assessor or quality assurer in further education or a private academy
Fees and dates
Paying for the course
Admissions confirms the fee for this course when you ask, and talks you through the ways to pay.
Practical dates
You can enrol at any time and start the online modules as soon as your place is confirmed.
Ask admissions about datesWays to pay
- Pay in full by card or bank transfer.
- Klarna or Clearpay at checkout, subject to their eligibility checks and approval.
- Monthly course finance through our finance partner, subject to status (18+, UK residents).
- Employer funding: we can invoice your employer.
Direct government funding for learners (Advanced Learner Loans, Mayor of London Adult Skills Fund) is not available through KCLINICS Academy at present and is not expected before 2028. Monthly course finance and self or employer funding are available now.
Apply
Apply for a place
Tell us a little about you and we will confirm your place and next steps. No payment is taken until your place is confirmed.
Prefer to talk first? Call admissions on 020 8050 0750.
Theory is online and self-paced, in 8 sessions. There are no practical days: you study and are assessed online. You have 12 months from enrolment to complete.
Learners must be 18 or over to enrol (KCLINICS Academy policy). There are no formal entry requirements, but you must be able to gather evidence for the qualification in your workplace.
While you learn: online quizzes and module tests; written homework; tutor feedback on the platform. Towards your certificate: practical observations/assessments; case studies; portfolio of evidence.
VTCT Skills registration, the online platform, all units in our scheme of work and your certificate.
Yes. You can pay by card, or choose Klarna or Clearpay at checkout, subject to their approval.
Tutor, assessor or quality assurer in further education or a private academy. Next on the route: VTCT Skills Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training; VTCT Skills Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice; VTCT Skills Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.
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