The Level 3 Early Years SENCO programme is a six-month course for early years educators and Ofsted-registered childminders, featuring four mandatory live online sessions and self-directed study totaling 34 hours. It supports those preparing for or working as SENCOs in private, voluntary, or independent settings, excluding maintained schools. Applicants must hold a relevant Level 3 qualification or meet specific childminder criteria. Assessment is via an e-portfolio demonstrating 26 criteria. Attendance at all sessions is required.
The Level 3 Early Years Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) programme lasts six months and is designed for eligible early years educators and Ofsted-registered childminders. It combines four mandatory live online sessions with self-directed study.
What does the programme involve?
The Level 3 Early Years SENCO programme includes:
- A duration of six months.
- Four mandatory live online sessions. Each session lasts two hours, with an optional additional hour.
- Self-directed study units.
- A total qualification time of 34 hours over six months.
- 24 guided learning hours.
An Early Years Special Educational Needs Coordinator (EY SENCO) plays a key role in identifying and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They work closely with families and professionals to make sure children receive the right support, helping to secure the best possible outcomes in their early development and learning.
How is the programme assessed?
There is one type of learning outcome:
- Knowledge that can be learnt
You will be assessed through an e-portfolio of evidence against these 26 Assessment Criteria. Throughout the course you will complete and upload assignments. Once all 26 criteria have been demonstrated, you will be awarded the qualification (subject to moderation).
Who can apply?
To apply for the Level 3 Early Years SENCO programme, you must meet all the following requirements:
- Be an Early Years SENCO or be preparing for the role.
- Hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
- Have the support of your employer or setting, or be an Ofsted-registered childminder.
The programme is tailored to early years educators employed in private, voluntary and independent settings, and Ofsted-registered childminders, where there is the greatest need for qualified SENCOs.
Which settings are not eligible?
You are not eligible for the Level 3 Early Years SENCO programme if you work in:
- A maintained school.
- A maintained nursery school operating under the same Unique Reference Number (URN) as its school.
- A setting that does not deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- A school-based nursery, whether maintained or independent.
These settings are covered by separate statutory requirements. The National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs may align more closely with their continuing professional development needs.
Which qualifications are accepted?
You must normally hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification. This means the qualification must be recognised for use in staff-to-child ratios.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) are also accepted.
You can check whether your qualification is recognised using the early years qualification checking service. You will need your certificate details to use the service.
What are the qualification requirements for childminders?
The stated qualification requirements for childminders are:
- A minimum full and relevant Level 2 qualification.
- At least one completed Level 3 module.
- Relevant early years experience.
Can you apply with a degree?
Most degrees are not automatically considered full and relevant, even if they are in early years. Your qualification must be an Early Years qualification and meet the Level 3 full and relevant criteria.
A degree without Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Teacher Status is usually not accepted by default. Further checks are needed to establish whether it meets the eligibility criteria.
If you have a degree without Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Teacher Status, you must provide confirmation that it was assessed against the Quality Assurance Agency Early Childhood Studies benchmark.
Contact your university to request written confirmation. Upload the confirmation with your application or email it to eysen@bestpracticenet.co.uk.
What are the attendance requirements?
You must attend and actively participate in all four live online sessions. Failure to follow the attendance policy will result in your withdrawal from the programme.
Each session lasts two hours. The four sessions are delivered across the six-month programme, approximately six weeks apart.
What should you do if you cannot attend a session?
If you cannot attend a scheduled session, email eysen@bestpracticenet.co.uk as soon as possible. The team will advise you about any alternative sessions that may be available, and you must attend the alternative session offered.
Can you choose your session times?
When completing your application, you can select your preferred day and time for attending the live sessions. Best Practice Network will try to accommodate your preferences, but your preferred slot cannot be guaranteed.
Discuss any session queries or dates you cannot attend with the administration team at eysen@bestpracticenet.co.uk.
How are places allocated?
Places are limited and allocated in line with Department for Education guidance, with priority given to settings with the greatest need.
- If your setting meets the criteria, you are very likely to be offered a place.
- If your setting does not meet the criteria, a place cannot be guaranteed.
How do you apply?
Full programme details and the application link are available on the Best Practice Network Early Years SENCO programme page.
You must provide your setting's Unique Reference Number as part of your application.
How do you find your Unique Reference Number?
You can find the Unique Reference Number for your setting or childminding provision through the Get Information about Schools service. You will need the school's name and address to locate it.
If you are a childminder, your Unique Reference Number should also be shown on the registration letter you received from Ofsted. You can also use the Ofsted reports service.
How is the programme funded?
See the Best Practice Network Early Years SENCO programme page for current funding and cost information.
Who should you contact with questions?
For questions about eligibility, applications, qualifications or attendance, email eysen@bestpracticenet.co.uk.