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Free SEND, Disability and Inclusive Practice Foundation Degree in Solihull

CostFREE
Duration1 year
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Apply now →

About this course

Free Funded Foundation Degree in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusive Practice in Solihull. Classes run at Solihull College and University Centre. You'll need a relevant Level 3 qualification at a minimum grade of Merit, Pass, Pass, plus experience working or volunteering with children and young people. The course runs full-time over one year and covers child development, inclusive pedagogy, autism, ADHD, mental health, communication, and legislation. Practical placements and case studies run alongside classroom study. This foundation degree in special educational needs, disability and inclusive practice qualification is validated by Newman University and sits at Level 5.

Who this course is for

The course is designed to give students a 'rounded' understanding of working in the area of special needs, inclusion and disability policy, sociology and politics. You will gain an in-depth understanding of both theory and its application in a variety of settings working with children young people and families. This course will enhance your understanding of the complexity of causes, diagnosis, and strategies to implement when working with children and young people who are identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Entry requirements

You will need to have been working or have done voluntary work in a relevant setting, working with children and young people. You must also hold a relevant Level 3 qualification, at a minimum grade of Merit, Pass, Pass. Applicants whose first language is not English, must also demonstrate that their level of English is acceptable by successfully completing a recognised test to demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the history and current policy landscape of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • You'll study inclusive pedagogy and how to support learners with a range of needs in educational settings.
  • You'll develop knowledge of sensory and physical disabilities, autism, ADHD, and challenging behaviours.
  • You'll examine communication and language development strategies for children and young people.
  • You'll investigate mental health issues and their impact on children, adolescents, and families.
  • You'll apply reflective practice to your own professional development in SEND settings.
  • You'll build research skills relevant to education and social care contexts.
  • You'll learn about multi-agency collaboration and working within legislation and safeguarding frameworks.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical placements in relevant settings, and case study work. Modules are assessed individually, each worth 20 credits. Assessment methods draw on reflective practice, personal development planning, and academic study across topics including research skills and contemporary issues in SEND. Placements give you direct experience working with children and young people alongside your taught study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Solihull College and University Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • SEN Teaching Assistant: support pupils with special educational needs in schools.
  • Teaching Assistant: assist class teachers across primary or secondary settings.
  • SEND Support Worker: work with children and young people in specialist provision.
  • Inclusion Support Assistant: help schools implement inclusive practice day to day.
  • Early Years SEND Practitioner: support children with additional needs in early years settings.
  • Learning Support Assistant: provide one-to-one or small group support in classrooms.
  • Family Support Worker: work with families of children with disabilities or additional needs.

What you could study next

A Foundation Degree in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusive Practice is a Level 5 qualification. From here you could progress to a full BA (Hons) in Education, Special Educational Needs, or a related field, often with a one-year top-up. You might also consider a PGCE if you want to move into qualified teacher status, or a specialist postgraduate qualification in educational psychology or speech and language support.

Apply on solihull.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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