EDM122-SENCO 1: Policies and Procedures

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Eligibility: This module is compulsory for students of the PG Cert SENCo course. It can be selected as an optional module for MA In Education students wishing to complete the Inclusion Pathway subject to availability of places.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Anna Tsakalaki
Email: a.tsakalaki@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

SENCO 1: Policies and Practice is one of three modules specifically designed to meet the NCTL standards for the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO Qualification). This module is designed to provide the historical context of special educational needs provision as well as current legislative framework, (both national and local) which provides guidance and direction in how to best meet the needs of learners with additional needs. 

This module recognises that schools organise provision in different ways designed to meet their specific circumstances. The learning objectives in this module are designed to help SENCOs fulfil the responsibilities set out in the Code of Practice and lead the teaching and learning for pupils with SEN and/or disabilities. It is designed as a flexible module with specific sessions to be delivered by university staff, experienced SENCOs and external researchers or professionals working with pupils with SEND Local Authority staff. 

Aims:

• To increase the understanding of government guidance and legislation in the field of special needs education.


• To explore local area guidance that governs the role of SENCO in a school


• To increase the understanding of assessment and data collection in relation to supporting pupils with additional needs


• To develop an understanding of the role of SENCO in relation to leadership and staff development

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module participants will: 

• Critically reflect on their school’s policy on SEN and Inclusion 


• Critically analyse the leadership role of SENCO within a school 


• Knowledge of the various tools for collecting data to a student with additional needs 


• Reflect upon the implementation of local guidelines and best practice in relation to their role as a SENCO 

Additional outcomes:

• Students will have developed increased skills in the areas of written communication


• Students will have the opportunity to develop networks of colleagues within their local area and wider Berkshire context


• Have an increased knowledge of the legal structures and guidelines that govern educational provision for learners with additional needs

Outline content:

• Government guidance and policies in the area of SEN (e.g. Every Child Matters)


• The Code of Practice and the legal framework for education and SEN


• Locally delivered sessions on:


• Annual review procedures and assessments


• Resource management


• Assessment of children with SEN


• Split primary and secondary session:


• Staff management and development


• Leadership


• Brief description of teaching and learning methods:


• Group discussions and short tasks;


• Sessions may be delivered at the university, , or online


• Peer observations


• Independent study

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• Group discussions and short tasks; 


• Sessions may be delivered at the university, , or online 


• Peer observations 


• Independent study

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12
Seminars	6
Guided independent study:	182
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be one written assignment of 3,000 words. It is designed to be a small scale research project about working with colleagues to meet the needs of SEN student/s in a school/setting.

The topic of assignment for MA students may be literature-based and will be 4,500 words.

Formative assessment methods:
Students will be set regular tasks on which they receive feedback from the tutor.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Students must achieve 50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission within one calendar month of the notification of failure

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: There are no required text books for this module.

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023