TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
Level 3 and Level 4 SEND qualifications
Alliance training quality manager Judith Saxon delves into the skills and benefits you can gain from the Alliance’s brand-new Level 3 and Level 4 SEND qualifications
Judith is the training quality manager for the Alliance, overseeing the quality of teaching, learning and assessment of all accredited qualifications.
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are a prominent aspect of early years education. Getting not only the right training but the most wide-ranging, up-to-date information disseminated to all staff within early years settings is essential for timely intervention and continued growth.
Time and time again, it has been shown that children benefit the most from tailored support at the earliest stages of their growth and education, meaning that well-informed educators in early years settings are crucial.
The Alliance’s brand-new SEND NCFE/Cache-accredited training opportunities at Level 3 and Level 4 can help you in this area! Our training and qualifications are delivered through a blended-
learning approach – monthly, small group, virtual classroom sessions and one-to-one support from a named assessor – to support your personal and career progression.
The L3 Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators in Early Years
The Early Years SEND Co-ordinator (SENCo) qualification is designed for Level 3 practitioners working in private, voluntary, or independent early years settings. All early years providers are required to have systems in place to identify and support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring equal opportunities for all children under their care. The SENCo plays a critical role in securing the best possible outcomes for children with SEND.
This qualification is ideal for those currently in, or interested in, the SENCo role within early years settings – including childminders. It focuses on the responsibilities of the SENCo, effective strategies for supporting children and their families, and expanding knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
The qualification is structured over four months, covering two mandatory units that will be completed with written work, reflective accounts and professional discussions.
The L4 Award for SEND Leadership in Early Years
This qualification is ideal for early years practitioners currently working in a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) or SEND-related role who wish to enhance their confidence and skills in leadership and management, driving best practices within their setting. Building on the foundation of the Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinators in Early Years Settings, this qualification provides continuing professional development (CPD) and is tailored for Level 3 practitioners in private, voluntary, or independent environments.
The course covers key areas, including:
■ achieving optimal outcomes for children and their families
■ enhancing professional growth
■ collaborating with parents, colleagues, and external professionals
■ applying research to improve practices.
The qualification is structured over six-to-seven months, covering three mandatory units that will be completed with written work, reflective accounts and professional discussions
To find out more about these new qualifications, visit bit.ly/U5SENDLevel3 (Level 3) or bit.ly/U5SENDLevel4 (Level 4).
Under 5 magazine
The magazine of the Early Years Alliance