International Award for SEN Co-ordination
The Best Practice Network International Award for SEN Co-ordination (iSENCO) is a professional qualification for current and aspiring, co-ordinators/leaders of Special Educational Needs provision, working in International schools. It aligns closely with the UK based National Award for SEN Co-ordination whilst providing a clear focus on the relevant local and national context. Achievement of our iSENCO includes the award of a level 7 Post Graduate Certificate in International School SEN provision.
Masters accreditation
The Post Graduate Certificate element of the Award has been developed to be delivered at Masters level 7. Candidates successful in achieving the qualification have the opportunity to accrue 60 master’s credits.
When does the course start?
Unfortunately, because of the disruption to international schools and potential changes to the UK NASENCO Learning Outcomes that may arise this year, we have put the iSENCo on hold. We cannot guarantee at this point that it will go ahead. If it does, it is more likely at the moment to start late autumn 2022.
To be eligible you will need to:
- be employed in a school setting outside of the UK
- be employed in a role that leads or supports the co-ordination of Special Educational Needs provision
- have the support of your Headteacher/Principal
- hold a level 6 degree or NARIC equivalent
- Meet relevant IELTS requirements - Postgraduate degree course: IELTS overall 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element
The Best Practice Network International Award for SEN Co-ordination (iSENCO) is taught and assessed in English and therefore requires all participants to be proficient in the use of the English language. Please see our English language requirements here.
Benefits for candidates
Participants will develop their knowledge, understanding and skills across key themes that are closely aligned to the UK National Award for SEN Co-ordination (NASENCO). The key themes are:
- Professional knowledge and understanding
- Leading and co-ordinating provision
- Personal and Professional Qualities
These themes cover:
- The statutory and regulatory context for SEN
- The principles and practice of leadership in different contexts
- How SEN and disabilities affect pupils’ participation and learning
- Strategies for improving outcomes for pupils with SEN and/or disabilities
- Working strategically with senior colleagues
- Leading and developing senior leaders and colleagues
- Critically evaluating evidence about learning, teaching and assessment
- Drawing on external sources of support and expertise
- Developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating systems
Benefits for candidate schools
- Drawing on external sources of support and expertise
- Developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating relevant systems for SEN provision
- Well-trained SENCos providing professional support to colleagues, families and children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, helping them to progress and achieve in their education
- Opportunity to collaborate, share best practice and form a network of support
Delivery
Our iSENCo affords maximum flexibility through its fully online nature. This does not mean you will be working alone. Each cohort will be facilitated by two online tutors; one of whom will be an expert on the Learning Outcomes and one of whom will be an expert in academic writing. The course is designed to be completed within 15 months. Each participant is also assigned a personal tutor.
How do I achieve the Award?
You will successfully complete a level 7 Post Graduate Certificate. To demonstrate the achievement of the learning outcomes, you will:
- Complete written assignments, focussing on case studies and evidence-based practice
- Compile an e-portfolio through a range of naturally occurring school-based documents arising from your role
What does it cost?
The fee for our iSENCo programme is £2,650.
We are now accepting expressions of interest for our Autumn 2021 intake.