Train for Senco- NPQSENCO

Developed for special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) and teachers interested in developing expertise in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or undertaking a SENCO role in future, and for school leaders.

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NPQSENCO Framework

  • We know that all children need early years professionals who are committed to their care and education and are confident learners themselves. Our programme has been developed with early years experts to:

    • Create professionally confident early years teachers, practitioners and leaders.

    • Grow the next generation of early years leaders with the skills and knowledge to use the evidence-base for the benefit of their children and families.

    • Retain the best early years professionals who are excellent, collaborative role models for their nurseries and communities. 

    • Inspire early years leaders who can harness the power of rich learning environments for all children no matter the current circumstances

  • Current SENCOs: Teachers already in the SENCO role who need to meet the new statutory requirement.

    Aspiring SENCOs: Teachers who want to move into the SENCO role and develop expertise in SEND.

    School Leaders: Those involved in leading SEND provision across a school or trust.

    NPQ for SENCOs has become the mandatory qualification for all new SENCOs in England, replacing the previous NASENCO qualification.

    New SENCOs must complete the NPQ within 3 years of starting the role.

  • 18 months followed by an 8 day open book summative assessment case study task.

    Venue:  Pate's Grammar School, Cheltenham.

    18 month programme comprising:

    • Induction Conference - (full day - face to face)

    • Facilitated face to face Peer Learning - (4 x 4.5 hour sessions)

    • Face to Face delivery events - (3 x full day)

    Supported by:

    • Online Learning

    • School based implementation project

    • Mentoring

    Engagement:  There must be a minimum of 90% engagement in the programme for participants to be eligible for final assessment

    Assessment:  Each NPQ is assessed using a case study approach completed within a specified eight day window at the end of the programme

Classroom bulletin board with the title 'Self-Regulation' displaying posters about grounding techniques, calming strategies, and breathing exercises. There is a potted plant on the right, a wooden shelf below with a colorful feelings flip chart, and a sign on the shelf indicating the puzzle room.

“The face-to-face NPQSENCO sessions with Balcarras and Odyssey Teaching School Hub elevated us all. The facilitators provided practical training that will have a lasting impact. It was some of the most valuable professional learning I have been privileged to take part in.

At a time when the SEND system is often discussed without solutions, the NPQSENCO offered a genuine prospect of a better way and empowered those of us present to be optimistic and be the change and leaders of the future.”

— Karen Thackery, NPQSENCO, Autumn 2024

See our Spotlight on NPQSENCO for Karen’s full testimonial.