National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination

The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENC) is a mandatory qualification for newly-appointed special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs).

The University of Chichester is one of the key NASENCO providers in the south of England running the mandatory qualification for newly appointed SENCOs and having achieved the Quality Standard of the NASENCO Provider Partnership.

The programme is strongly rooted in work-based practice, equipping SENCOs to evaluate and develop effective leadership and management of SEND provision.

We have developed a strong collaboration with local authorities and partners to ensure that it supports both local and national requirements and we involve national and international experts to work with us in delivering a relevant and up-to-date programme.

If you are a newly appointed SENCO with QTS working in a mainstream school you will be required to complete the mandatory programme within three years of your appointment (SEND Code of Practice, 2015).

We welcome applications from SENCOs working in Early Years settings, special schools, Post-16 provision and private schools.

SENCOs with the equivalent EYTS or QTLS, can also apply to gain the National Award. Experienced and aspiring SENCOs who are working in a SEND work setting and/or are members of the Senior Leadership Team interested in gaining the qualification may also apply with the assurance that the Learning Outcomes (NCTL, 2014) will be covered within sessions.

Where a SENCO working in an Early Years setting or Post-16 provision does not have QTS (or the equivalent qualification), please contact us for further information about alternative courses we can offer.