NPQ for Sencos

Learn strategies and solutions to implement a strong SEND provision across your school. This includes creating an effective school-wide culture and supporting the development of a positive, safe and supportive school environment where all pupils can thrive.

We are proud to deliver the National Professional Qualifications in partnership with our delivery partner, Ambition Institute alongside Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust and Beckfoot Trust. To read about how we work in partnership for the NPQs click here.

What are the programme benefits?

As part of a fully blended learning approach that is designed to fit around your role, you will learn how to become a strategic leader of SEND. You’ll discover what good SEND provision looks like and work with other staff to support your school to meet the needs of all pupils, whilst working confidently within statutory guidance.
You’ll lead on establishing and sustaining a positive, safe and supportive culture across your school for all pupils. Consider how to contribute to and implement a strong and robust SEND strategy and support the delivery of effective provision, working with other agencies and specialists for pupils with SEND, and their families.

Who is this programme suitable for?

• special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs)
• teachers interested in developing expertise in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or undertaking a SENCO role in future
• school leaders
• This NPQ will be the mandatory qualification for SENCOs from September 2024, with teaching beginning in autumn 2024.
• You will need to complete this qualification within the first three years in the role.
• If you have already obtained the NASENCO qualification you do not need to complete the NPQ for SENCOs.

Programme curriculum

The fully funded programme follows the Department of Education’s National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for Special Educational needs Coordinators that will cover:

• establishing and sustaining a positive and supportive culture across the
  school for all pupils.
• supporting senior leaders to ensure staff and governors enact statutory guidance.
• supporting teachers and support staff to understand the importance of expert teaching for all pupils and to implement a graduated approach in the classroom, subject or domain effectively.
• supporting the delivery of effective provision for pupils with SEND and their families and be able to review, monitor, evaluate and improve the impact of SEND provision.
• working with staff, specialists and other agencies to assist the school in meeting the needs of all pupils.
• Implementing an efficient SEND identification process across the school which ensures that barriers to learning are identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity.
• working with and equipping fellow leaders with the skills to establish and sustain effective curriculum planning that enable teachers to plan, adapt and teach effectively for all pupils.
• supporting the development of a positive, safe and supportive environment for pupils across the whole school.
• ensuring all pupils feel motivated in school with a supportive setting to enable them to reach their aspirations and potential.

What is the commitment?

Over 18 months you will:

• attend two all day, face-to-face conferences
• attend seven twilight two-hour facilitated clinics
• attend one two-hour assessment clinic
• attend three online peer-led community groups
• complete nine online courses (three modules per course) via StepLab, Ambition Institute's bespoke learning platform

At the end of the programme, you will be supported in completing an open book structured assessment of up to 1500 words over a period of eight days.

Participants have two opportunities to sit the assessment, if required.

Next steps for Dixons teachers

Please complete an expression of interest form or speak to your CPD lead.

This programme involves submitting an application directly to Ambition Institute and onboarding with them.

Centre for Growth will support you with the application and onboarding process.