Short sprint or an endurance test: the perceived impact of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination

Abstract

This paper evaluates the perceived impact of the National Award (NA) for Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordination in English mainstream schools. The Award was introduced in 2009 and has been mandatory for all new Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) since its inception. The framework used for the evaluation is based on the learning outcomes of the NA, which were formulated by the Training and Development Agency and focus on areas related to the pedagogical, managerial and leadership aspects of the SENCo role. Findings suggest that the NA has impacted most significantly on participants’ pedagogy and strategies for removing barriers to learning. Participants’ preparedness for training at post-graduate level is also investigated and consideration is given towards further training and study beyond the completion of the NA. Additionally, the paper investigates areas that are perceived as challenges (e.g. lack of time and leadership status) to the successful implementation of their coordination role and any impact the NA has had in this respect.

Keywords:

• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• post-graduate
• leadership
• pedagogy