In the latest educational reform, the Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25 years (2015), the government’s vision is that ‘the provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all children and young people; that they achieve well in their early years, at school and in college, and lead happy and fulfilled lives.’ This code supports the Equality Act (2010) and the TOBY SALT Report (2010) which indicated that equality and educational outcomes are reliant upon a teaching workforce that is prepared for the diversity of mainstream and special school classrooms. With the Special education and Disability Regulations, there is now an increasing need for appropriate teacher training programmes that prepare teachers for the variety of needs that children and young people present with. There is also a need for a continual professional development culture that maintains teachers’ knowledge and skills to keep up with the everchanging education contexts. This postgraduate qualification will meet that agenda.

There is a requirement for SENCOs in mainstream schools to hold qualified teacher status (QTS), Qualified Teacher Learning Skills (QTLS) for those in colleges and Early Years Teacher Status (EYT) for those working in early years settings. The SENCo aspect of the programme, therefore, will apply only to those who hold either of these statuses. Those who wish to complete the programme without the status will in effect, only achieve the SEN and Inclusion aspect of the award (hence the bracketing of the award).

You will graduate with knowledge of the very latest in education research, policy and practice. You will gain a whole new perspective on data and evaluation, all of which will help to put you at the forefront of your field. You will also be able to reflect upon and challenge your own practice, which is a valuable skill to demonstrate to future employers.

You will leave the course confident in your knowledge and abilities, empowered to make change in your own organisation and ready to go to the next level in your career.