CERTSEY: Level 3 Certificate for SENCOs in Early Years
(Private Voluntary Independent (PVI) sector)
A Department for Education (DfE) recognised qualification
Register your interest in our Autumn 2024 Cohort running from 1st October 2024 - 30th June 2025
“Thank you for teaching in such a clear and understanding way. The discussions we had during our contact days were invaluable.”
The Eastern Partnership UK (SEND) is proud to have been an integral part of the development of this accredited course, working with colleagues from the DfE.
This nationally recognised qualification supports the DfE’s commitment to increase the number of SEND qualified Level 3 practitioners in the sector, as outlined in the Education White Paper ‘Opportunity for all: strong schools with great teachers for your child’ (2022). This qualification will enable SENCOs to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to fulfil the role. It is suitable for SENCOs in all types of PVI settings as well as those who have childminding responsibilities.
CERTSEY is accessed via a virtual learning route and in partnership with local early years teams, depending on the location of your setting.
On successful completion you will gain the Level 3 Certificate for SENCOs in the Early Years (Private Voluntary Independent (PVI) sector) and 13 Level 3 credits from Gateway Qualifications.
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Participants can access the Level 3 Certificate for SENCOs in the Early Years (CERTSEY) by laptop/tablet/phone.
Participants can access the Level 3 Certificate for SENCOs in the Early Years (CERTSEY) via three pathways:
• Online (with access to online course materials and portfolio)
• Group 152* (with access to online course materials, portfolio and virtual workshop sessions delivered by Eastern Partnership UK (SEND))
• Blended (with access to online course materials, portfolio and workshop sessions delivered by local area teams (virtually / face to face) where partnerships are in place)
*Group 152, our newest pathway, so named as participants from any of the 152 local authorities in England can join this real-time Virtual Classroom. Participants can enjoy the interactive experience and develop networking opportunities with others across the country.
The course runs twice a year, with a cohort starting in the Spring (1st February) and Autumn (1st October). The course duration is nine months. Workshop sessions (delivered locally and as part of Group 152) will take place in the first six months of the course.
Participants can work through the course at their own pace and can submit their portfolio at any time within the nine months.
Eastern Partnership UK (SEND) allocate a Learning Outcome Assessor to every participant. Their role is to provide feedback to strengthen portfolio work ready for final submission. All correspondence with Learning Outcome Assessors takes place on our online platform. -
The expected duration of this course is nine months. The course is divided into ten chapters:
• Chapter 1: Pre Course – The role of the SENCO
• Chapter 2: The Law, Regulations and Statutory Guidance
• Chapter 3: Working in a Person-Centered Way
• Chapter 4: High Quality Practice and the Graduated Approach
• Chapter 5: The Graduated Approach: Early Identification
• Chapter 6: The Graduated Approach: Agreeing Outcomes and Provision
• Chapter 7: The Graduated Approach: Planning, Implementing and Reviewing Provision
• Chapter 8: Local Offer & Support from Specialists
• Chapter 9: Moving On (Transition)
• Chapter 10: Developing Expertise in SEND
In order to evidence the Learning Outcomes for the course, participants will complete an online portfolio made up of learning activities and reflections linked to the ten chapters of learning.
13 Level 3 credits equates to at least 130 hours of learning. This consists of guided learning hours (engagement in the course materials) and non-guided learning hours (engagement in learning activities and reflections). -
In order to evidence the Learning Outcomes for the course, participants will complete an online portfolio made up of learning activities and reflections linked to the ten chapters of learning
Participants on the online pathway will have access to a Learning Outcome Assessor who will provide feedback to support participants to gain the level of knowledge and practical skills required and to strengthen portfolio work ready for final submission. All correspondence with Learning Outcome Assessors takes place on our online platform.
Participants accessing Group 152 or locally delivered workshop sessions (where partnerships are in place) will have access to a Tutor and Learning Outcome Assessor. The Tutor and Learning Outcome Assessor will support participants to gain the level of knowledge and practical skills required and to strengthen portfolio work ready for final submission. All correspondence with Learning Outcome Assessors takes place on our online platform.
Once submitted, portfolios will go through Eastern Partnership UK (SEND)’s quality assurance process to check that evidence meets the Learning Outcomes for the course. -
• Successful completion of the course will ensure your setting is compliant with the requirement of the SEND Code of Practice (DfE DoH, 2015)
• Having a qualified SENCO within your setting will improve practice overall and strengthen your discussions during inspection.
• Staff working within your setting will benefit from your leadership of SEND and become more confident about their own practice in working with children with SEND and in engaging with their families.
• Childminders will gain a high level of knowledge and understanding to help inform day to day work. -
The course is open to those who are:
Working in the PVI sector, including childminders.
Currently in role as SENCO.
Intending to take up the role of SENCO.
Have an interest in aspiring to be a SENCO in the Early Years PVI sector in the future.
Aged 18 or over at the start of the course.
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Currently under review
How to register your interest for Autumn 2024
Please complete the registration form on the button below.
Working in partnership with:
