About this qualification

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of both learners aged 16 to 19 years and adult learners who are interested in developing additional specialist competence in an educational occupation and clearly aligns to Skills England’s hierarchy of purpose. The qualification offers an engaging course of study and provides learners with the opportunity to specialise within an occupational area.

The qualification will enable learners to acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to develop additional specialist competence within education and early years. Furthermore, employers will be able to access reliable evidence of a learner’s achievement against the criteria, which are the minimum requirements for practice in a specialised role within the occupational area, as a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

This qualification builds on the outcomes within the Early Years Educator occupational standard (ST0135).

Who is it suitable for?

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

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be aged 16 or above to undertake this qualification and have experience of working with babies and young children before registering. Learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a level 2 qualification.

How is this qualification structured?

To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve both mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

This qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured via a portfolio of evidence.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

This qualification will take learners under one year to complete.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:

• further education:
  • special educational needs
  • early years education
  • teaching and learning
• higher education

Funding for our qualifications

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

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

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:

• early years SENCO