Recent revision of the criteria for the role of the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) in the early years has been published in January 2022. This revision indicates minor changes in the teaching and delivery of the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings (603/3476/9). The changes do not impact the assessment of the qualification but, to ensure that our qualification continues to reflect current thinking, we have included additional guidance for delivery. 

These changes are identified in the Horizons communications document, under the support materials tab below, and have been updated within the latest version of the qualification specification. Please be assured that these changes will allow teaching and delivery to meet the revised criteria from the DfE for practitioners in early years settings working in, or preparing to work in the role of the SENCo.

This qualification has been allocated UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for further details of the points allocation and the most up-to-date information.

What does this qualification cover?

This qualification aims to:

• Explore the roles and responsibilities of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator in an early years setting
• Understand the strategies and techniques for supporting children and their families
• Increase knowledge of SEN codes of practice
  
  The objectives of this qualification are to help learners to:
• progress to further and higher education
• develop new practical skills in health and social care

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for learners who envisage or currently have careers in such areas as healthcare, social work, nursing, counselling, early years and teaching.

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but centres may have their own guidelines.

How is this qualification structured?

To be awarded the Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings, learners must achieve a pass in the 2 mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

A non-mandatory internal assessment task will be provided to be completed at the end of the qualification. This qualification does not include an external assessment. 

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

This qualification will take less than one year to complete. 

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Upon achievement of this qualification, learners will be able to progress to higher learning in Special Education Needs and other relevant sectors.

Career opportunities

This qualification is suitable for those interested in pursuing careers in the following areas:

• Health and social care
• Childhood studies
• Community, youth and families
• Social work
• Early years
• Primary teaching
• Nursing

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.