NASENCO - what preparation did you do?

[Dolceandgabbana14]

I've been looking into this for a year and a half and had planned to embark on a course starting in September. I have the full support of my headteacher. I found a distance learning provider with a course starting in May which I would be happy to take on. I sent the details to the Head and she said she's happy for me to start in May if I feel ready, but I may wish to do some further preparation work and start in September.

If you've done the NASENCO award, what (if any) preparation did you do and how did you know you were ready?

I’ve done it and did zero prep. I also used a distance provider. I would recommend starting in May rather than September as you will have the summer holidays to focus on written assignments/reading etc.

I didn't do any prep and came out with a distinction. I also very much took the view of the work I handed in being 'good enough' rather than perfect as I think it's the only way to survive it whilst teaching! Honestly I've no idea how you'd prepare, it sounds like making work for yourself. Are you in role as a SENCO at present?

Thanks both for your replies. I'm happy to throw myself into it, but the Head is suggesting I might wish to do some further preparation work and start in September, although she'll support me either way. I feel mentally prepared for the onslaught, I'm under no illusion that it'll be easy, and I've studied before with 2 young DC so I know what I'm letting myself in for! Phoebe, you make a good point about having time to study over the summer. Ingle, I work closely with our SENCO, but my role is focused on interventions for SEN pupils.

I didn’t do any prep other than working as the senco in my school.

Probably the best thing you can do is familiarise yourself with the Code of Practice (especially Section 6) and your LEA local offer. I’d also spend a bit of time looking at other school’s SEN Information Reports (will be on their website).