About this qualification

This additional specialist qualification is designed for those working as early years practitioners supporting the role of the early years special educational needs and/or disabilities co-ordinator (SENDCo). The qualification will explore how the SENDCo assistant works with babies, children, colleagues and others when supporting the SENDCo in an early years setting, in adherence to legislation and guidance. This qualification requires achievement of both knowledge and skills. This qualification builds on the outcomes within the Early Years Practitioner occupational standard (ST0888).

Who is it suitable for?

This additional specialist qualification is designed for those working as early years practitioners supporting the role of the early years SENDCo.

What are the entry requirements?

This qualification is designed for those working as early years practitioners supporting the role of the early years SENDCo. This qualification builds on the outcomes within the Early Years Practitioner occupational standard (ST0888).

It may also be useful to learners studying qualifications in the following areas:

• teaching and learning
• early years
• special educational needs

Registration is at the discretion of the centre in accordance with equality legislation and should be made on the NCFE Portal.

Learners must be aged 16 or above to undertake this qualification and be working within an early years setting. There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a level 2 qualification.

Centres are responsible for ensuring that all learners are capable of achieving the learning outcomes (LOs) and complying with the relevant literacy, numeracy, and health and safety requirements.

Learners registered on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level, or with the same/a similar title, as duplication of learning may affect funding eligibility.

How is this qualification structured?

This qualification consists of two mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

Internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

This qualification will take learners under one year to complete.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

The learner must be working in an early years setting to be able to meet the assessment requirements of this qualification.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

On completion, learners can progress onto qualifications within the following areas:

• special educational needs
• teaching and learning

Funding for our qualifications

This qualification may be eligible for funding. For further guidance on funding, please contact your local funding provider.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

On completion, learners can progress onto the following job roles:

• SENDCo assistant in an early years setting

Useful links

Assessment regulations and guides | NCFE Qualification specific instructions for delivery (QSID)