Course overview

The Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs is aimed at professionals working in education or carrying out a caring role in nursery nursing, teaching assistance, childcare or play work, and are looking to develop knowledge and understanding of Special Educational Needs to progress within the sector as part of a new or existing role.

This qualification provides the knowledge and understanding needed to work directly with SEN children or young people in schools.

Our team of expert Tutors will deliver this course 1 module at a time via online sessions, allowing you to focus on each subject area of practice in detail. SS&L also offer 121 and face-to-face support sessions throughout your programme.

Learners will cover mandatory modules and choose from optional modules to build their individual learning programme.

5 mandatory modules include:

1. Development of Children & Young People

2. Understand How to Support Children & Young People to Achieve Learning Potential

3. Professional Practice in Special Educational Needs Service

4. Understand How to Support Disabled Children & Young People and those with Specific Requirements

5. Understand How to Support Disabled Children & Young People with Speech, Language & Communication Needs

Learners enrolled are eligible to attend the full range of Schools workshops delivered by SS&L, including our practical series ‘How children learn’. On this course you can explore up to 7 different elements essential to understanding how children learn, including:

1. How Children learn an Introduction

2. Learning through play

3. Enabling play environments

4. Sensory exploration

5. Playdough workshop

6. Embedding literacy and numeracy in play

7. Outdoor learning

Course assessment

Learners must complete a total of 20 credits to achieve this qualification. On successful completion of this course learners will achieve the Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs.

Learners must produce a portfolio of evidence to achieve this course. SS&L have a series of workbooks designed to help you provide the evidence for this qualification which your Tutor will provide.

Your dedicated personal Tutor will support you through assessing your work and provide you with constructive feedback regularly, to help you produce the standard of evidence required for this qualification.

Assessment for this qualification is designed to be accessible and inclusive. The assessment methodology is appropriate and rigorous for individuals or groups of learners.

Course progression

This is the perfect course for Teaching Assistants or Classroom Assistants who want to hold a recognised SEN qualification or those looking to progress from Level 2.

On achievement of this qualification, learners will gain experience and knowledge of the education system and support provided in schools in order to train further as a SENCO, specialist support worker or go on to a teaching role.

Plan your learning journey with SS&L and join our Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 4 preparation and assessment programme. This qualification provides a mechanism for you to recognise and develop your knowledge and understanding and establish personal, learning and employment goals. Learners may choose to seek employment in one of many varied occupational areas for example:

· SEN Teaching Assistant

· Teaching Assistant

· Foster Carer

· Children and Families Support Worker

· Learning Mentor

With further study learners could become a fully qualified SEN or mainstream teacher, or you may be interested in related careers that would require further study, including:

· Communication Support Worker

· Early Years Tutor

· Higher Level Teaching Assistant

· Portage Home Visitor

· Primary School Teacher.