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FREE Level 3 Qualifications

Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs

Course Overview

The Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs is designed for those who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and build the skills needed to effectively support children and young people.

The course is particularly suitable for professionals working within education or caring roles, including teaching assistants, nursery practitioners, childcare professionals and play workers.

Throughout the qualification, you will develop a greater understanding of SEND and how appropriate support can help children and young people overcome barriers, participate in learning and achieve positive outcomes.

What Will I Learn?

Throughout the course, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of key areas relating to Special Educational Needs, including:

  • Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and how they may affect children and young people.
  • Recognising the individual needs of children and young people with SEND.
  • Understanding approaches and strategies used to support learners with additional needs.
  • Supporting inclusive learning and promoting positive outcomes.
  • Understanding the roles and responsibilities of professionals supporting individuals with SEND.
  • Developing your own knowledge and professional practice when supporting children and young people with additional needs.

The qualification will help you build specialist SEND knowledge that can be applied within education, childcare and other caring environments.

Eligibility Criteria

This is a guide to the eligibility criteria for our funded courses. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.

  • Learners must be aged 19 or over.
  • Learners must live in London or Surrey.
  • If employed or self-employed, London learners must earn £28,860 per year or less and Surrey learners must earn £26,800 per year or less. Proof of earnings will be required prior to enrolment.
  • Learners who are unemployed may also be eligible for full funding.
  • Learners must meet the relevant UK residency requirements for the duration of the course.
  • Learners must not be on a Skilled Worker visa, Sponsorship visa or Graduate visa.

Eligibility is subject to individual circumstances and will be confirmed as part of the enrolment process.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Throughout the course, you will complete a range of activities and assessments designed to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of Special Educational Needs.

You will build evidence as you progress through the qualification, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of the key principles of SEND and how this knowledge can be applied within relevant professional settings.

Your work will be assessed throughout the course, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding you have developed.

Your Course Journey

Week 1 – Submit Your Enquiry

Submit your enquiry form and a member of our team will give you a call to talk you through the course and answer any questions you may have. You will then be sent a Course Registration Form to complete.

Week 2 – Application and Tutor Support

Our Enrolment Team will process your application and ask you to complete an application form. Once enrolled, you will be assigned a tutor who will support you throughout your course and can be contacted by phone, text or email.

Weeks 3–16 – Complete Your Course

As you work through your course, you will receive email reminders when your units are due. Your tutor will mark your work and return it to you within 7 days, providing support and feedback throughout your learning.

You will also complete the required practical assessment within your workplace to demonstrate your skills in adult social care.

Completion – Receive Your Certificate

Once you have successfully completed your course and all required assessments, we will apply for your certificate. Your certificate will then be posted directly to your home address, usually within 2–4 weeks.

Career and Further Progression

Completing this qualification can support progression within education, childcare and other roles involving the care and support of children and young people with Special Educational Needs.

Potential career pathways include:

  • SEN Teaching Assistant.
  • Teaching Assistant.
  • Children and Families Support Worker.
  • Learning Mentor.
  • Foster Carer.

With further study and the appropriate qualifications, you could also progress towards roles such as:

  • Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
  • Communication Support Worker.
  • Early Years Tutor.
  • Portage Home Visitor.
  • Primary School Teacher.
  • SEN or mainstream teacher.

The qualification can also help existing practitioners develop their specialist SEND knowledge and prepare for greater responsibility within their current role.