Level 3 Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train in your early years role, applying what you learn directly with the children in your setting. This special educational needs coordinators in early years settings qualification is designed for practitioners already working in a SENCo capacity, or moving into that responsibility, in private, voluntary, or independent settings. It also applies to childminders. The course covers how to identify and support children with SEND and promote equality of opportunity. It takes around 34 hours to complete.
Who this course is for
The Early Years Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) qualification is for a Level 3 practitioner in a private, voluntary or independent setting. All early years providers are required to have arrangements in place to identify and support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and to promote equality of opportunity for children in their care. This is an important role to ensure the best possible educational outcomes are achieved for children with SEND.
Entry requirements
The qualification is designed for those already working in a SENCo role as part of their early years practitioner role, or those who are interested in doing so.
This qualification is also appropriate for childminders.
What you will learn
You'll understand the legal and statutory requirements for SEND provision in early years settings.
You'll learn how to identify children with special educational needs and disabilities.
You'll develop skills to support children with SEND and promote equality of opportunity.
You'll explore strategies for working with families and external professionals around SEND.
You'll build knowledge of the SENCo role within private, voluntary, and independent settings.
You'll understand how to contribute to positive educational outcomes for children with SEND.
How you will learn
This is work-based training, so your learning is grounded in your day-to-day role. Assessment is carried out in the workplace, drawing on your practice with children and families. You'll be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of SEND coordination in an early years context. Real Skills Training will confirm the specific assessment methods before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Real Skills Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
SEN Teaching Assistant: support children with SEND in school or nursery settings.
Nursery Practitioner: work in private, voluntary, or independent early years settings.
Early Years SENCo: lead SEND coordination in a nursery or childcare setting.
Teaching Assistant: support learning in primary school classrooms.
Childminder: provide registered childcare with SEND awareness in a home setting.
Early Years Room Leader: take on supervisory responsibility in a nursery team.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma: broadens your early years practice qualification and is recognised in statutory staffing ratios.
Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice: deepens specialist knowledge for senior practitioners.
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Diploma: moves you toward leadership and management roles in early years settings.
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies: a higher education route for those looking to move into advisory or specialist roles.
