NPQ SENCO
Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) national professional qualification - GOV.UK
Who is this programme suitable for:
Department for Education NPQ scholarship funding is available to all.
DfE-funded scholarships are available for this NPQ for all participants who are in a publicly funded school and/or 16 to 19 educational organisations in England who meet the following criteria:
• Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs)
• Teachers interested in developing expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or undertaking a SENCO role in the future
• Educational leaders in mainstream schools and maintained nurseries where the SENCO role is a mandatory requirement
If you do not work in an eligible school, the NPQ for SENCOs costs £1,132 plus VAT.
Develop the knowledge, confidence and leadership expertise to make a lasting impact
This 18 months National Professional Qualification (NPQ) programme is designed to strengthen expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) leadership and support meaningful, sustainable improvement across educational settings.
Whether you are an existing SENCO, preparing to undertake the role, or seeking to deepen your expertise in SEND, this programme will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies to create inclusive environments where all pupils can thrive.
Throughout the programme, you will develop expertise in key areas including:
• Co-ordinating Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision throughout your educational setting
• Supporting leaders to build a culture where pupils with SEND can participate meaningfully in the full life of the setting
• Helping pupils with SEND achieve ambitious outcomes and make successful transitions to their next steps
• Strengthening leadership approaches to inclusive provision and support
Designed with busy professionals in mind, the programme combines flexible, evidence-informed learning with practical application to ensure your development has an immediate and lasting impact in your setting.
The Programme at a Glance:
• Duration: 18 months
• Study commitment: Approximately 1–2 hours per week
• Delivery model: A blend of self-directed study, collaborative group sessions and facilitated learning
• Assessment: A written assessment at the end of the programme
Funding Opportunities:
Funding is available for teachers and educational leaders working in many state-funded settings across England, subject to eligibility criteria.
Please note that while many participants may be eligible for funded places, eligibility does not guarantee access to a funded NPQ programme.
Mandatory Qualification for SENCOs:
All mainstream schools, including academies and free schools, are required to have a SENCO. The SENCO must be a qualified teacher, or the headteacher, working within the school.
The SEND Regulations 2014 have been amended and the NPQ for SENCOs is now the mandatory qualification for SENCOs. The three-year timeframe to complete the mandatory qualification after taking up a SENCO post remains in place.
SENCOs meet their statutory requirement on receiving the outcome of their NPQ. Participants should allow up to four months in addition to the study period to receive their final outcome.
What You'll Learn
The programme explores a broad range of SEND leadership themes, enabling participants to strengthen both strategic understanding and day-to-day practice.
Key areas of study include:
• Culture in educational settings
• The statutory framework for SEND provision
• Identification of need
• Effective teaching approaches for pupils with SEND
• Behaviour and inclusive practice
• Leading and managing SEND provision
• Professional development
• Effective implementation strategies
You will also deepen your understanding of evidence-informed approaches to SEND leadership and gain practical models to help translate theory into effective practice within your setting.
Course Structure:
The course is designed so you can engage in live, facilitated sessions alongside modules that you can complete at any time.
The programme covers eight core topics outlined within the national NPQ framework, ensuring consistency, quality and relevance.
Training includes:
• Independent study
• Group coaching and collaborative discussions
• Face-to-face learning sessions with peers and facilitators
Commitment to the programme:
Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 1–2 hours per week to study and programme activities.