CERTSEY - Certificate for SENCOs in Early years (PVI sector)

We have had an association with this Level 3 qualification since 2018 when Angela was part of the DfE working group who were tasked with establishing the qualification standards. Through our valued partnership with HfL Education we continue to provide a route through to this Early Years SENCO qualification which is accredited through Gateway Qualifications.

    • New-to-role and / or aspiring SENCOs in the Early Years private voluntary and independent sector.

    • CERTSEY is also suitable for nursery managers, playgroups leaders and childminders, as it provides a great way to build knowledge, confidence and SEND know-how across settings and childminding networks.

  • The course duration is 9 months.

    There are 6 themes (modules) which together meet the requirements set by the DfE for this Level 3 qualification:

    • Statutory Frameworks for SEND

    • Role of the EY SENCO

    • Early Identification

    • Working with children and parents / carers

    • Liaising with professionals and agencies beyond the setting

    • Transition – principles and practice

    • The qualification content is all online. This provides the opportunity for participants to organise their own studies thus minimising time away from setting/childminder commitments.

    • For each module there is a real-time one-hour online study session giving participants the opportunity to discuss the content as a group and prepare for the practical assessment tasks. These sessions are facilitated by an expert in the field.

    • For some locations, study sessions are available on a face-to-face basis facilitated by local authority Early Years specialists.

  • Accreditation is through Gateway Qualifications; a nationally recognised accrediting body.

    • Practical / reflective tasks linked to the content of each theme are carried out in participants own setting. These are recorded using a specifically tailored template following carefully framed guidance.

    • Support materials and podcasts are available to help structure the work.

    The practical tasks are designed to achieve two things:

    1. make a positive difference to strategic and operational practice

    2. meet the requirements of the learning outcomes for the course.

  • Costs vary slightly according to whether participants are accessing the qualification via the fully online route or in tandem with local authority face-to-face sessions.

    As a guide, to take part in the course and gain the Certificate (13 Level 3 credits) participants should expect to pay under £300 per person.

    • Develops knowledge of the laws and good practice guidance relating to SEND in the EY PVI sector.

    • Builds a team approach to policy and practice for children with SEND.

    • Provides practical opportunities to put learning into action.

    • Ensures statutory compliance

    • Builds capacity across the workforce

    • Establishes inclusive systems and practices

    • Provides opportunities to trial innovative practice

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What do people say?

“After taking this course I now feel more confident when supporting colleagues and parents, improving our practice, training our new staff and supporting children with SEND.”

Early Years SENCO

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