SENDCo - what qualification(s) do I need?

[Changeismine]

I am a mainstream class teacher of 25 odd years. I would like to train and get a qualification to be a SENDCo. There are so many different courses out there and I cannot work out which one I should do! Please help if you have any ideas! Thank you.

To be a SENCO, you need to complete the National Award for SEN Co-ordination. I would look on the NASEN website for the list of accredited providers, they have agreed standards they need to conform to.

Thank you, I will have a look.

If it’s still the same there may be funding once you are in post. I personally got some experience and applied for the job, then started the course. I didn’t met anyone on the course who wasn’t already a SENCo (Bath Spa, but with London seminars. I wouldn’t particularly recommend them).

IME SENCOs usually undertake the NASENCO qualification once they are already in post. You don't need to hold the qualification to be appointed to a SENCO vacancy as long as you achieve it within three years of taking up the role. I would start applying for vacancies - good SENCOs are absolute gold dust and you will be snapped up. You shouldn't need to self-fund.