Support children with SEND more confidently in your early years setting with specialist Level 3 training for practitioners already carrying out the SENCo role, or preparing to step into it.
Overview
Being an early years SENCo is not just about understanding policy. It is about noticing when a child needs extra support, helping practitioners respond well, and making sure families feel heard along the way.
Delivered through Eden Training Solutions by Best Practice Network, this fully online course helps early years professionals develop practical SEND knowledge they can apply in real settings.
Who It’s for
This course is suitable for practitioners working in private, voluntary and independent settings, as well as eligible childminders and childminding agency registrants, where the programme criteria are met.
The qualification is intended for learners already working as an Early Years SENCo, or those due to take up the role.
Delivered by:
Best Practice Network
Eligibility
The qualification is for Level 3 practitioners in private, voluntary or independent settings, Ofsted-registered childminders, and childminders registered with a childminding agency.
Applicants normally need a full and relevant Level 3 or above qualification. There is also a childminder route for those with a full and relevant Level 2 qualification, at least one Early Years Level 3 training module, and significant early years experience.
You must also be working in an early years setting and have employer support, or be a registered childminder or registered with a childminding agency.
What You’ll Learn
Learners will build practical SEND knowledge and confidence across the core areas of the Early Years SENCo role.
Course Delivery
This programme is designed to fit around the realities of early years work. Best Practice Network delivers the course over 6 months through online taught sessions and online study units.
Sessions are live, tutor-led and include group discussion, breakout activities and guided learning, with study materials accessed through the virtual learning environment.
Delivery Partners
Partner organisations involved in supporting the wider Early Years SENCO delivery model.
Assessment
Assessment is completed through an e-portfolio of evidence, with learners uploading assignments throughout the course.
Learners build and submit an e-portfolio that demonstrates their learning, understanding and application of the Early Years SENCo role.
Learners work towards 26 assessment criteria during the programme, uploading assignments as they progress through the course.
Once all criteria are successfully met, the accredited NCFE Level 3 qualification can be awarded, subject to moderation.
At Eden Training Solutions, we understand that stepping into the Early Years SENCo role can feel like a big responsibility. This fully funded course is designed to help practitioners build confidence, understand eligibility, and feel supported throughout the programme.
If you are unsure whether this course is right for you or your setting, these FAQs cover the most common questions about eligibility, delivery, support and assessment.
This funded training is aimed at Level 3 early years educators working in group-based provision or as a childminder.
To be eligible, your qualification must be considered full and relevant for meeting the Level 3 ratio requirements under the EYFS framework. Childminders may still be eligible where they hold a full and relevant Early Years Level 2 qualification, have completed at least one Early Years Level 3 training module, and have strong practical experience working in early years.
The funded offer is focused on settings where the need for qualified early years SENCOs is greatest.
This means the programme is open to those working as a SENCo, or preparing to take on the role, in group provision and childminder settings, in line with section 3.68 of the EYFS.
No. This DfE-funded programme is for early years SENCOs, or practitioners due to step into the role, working in private, voluntary and independent settings, along with eligible childminder settings.
In most cases, yes. The qualification is intended for Level 3 educators, as set out in the published Early Years SENCo qualification guidance.
There is an exception for some childminders with a full and relevant Early Years Level 2 qualification, at least one completed Level 3 training module, and significant early years experience.
Yes. To be accepted onto the programme, you must be employed in an eligible setting, working through a childminding agency, or already working as a registered childminder.
Not automatically, although eligible applicants are in a strong position. Places are prioritised according to the setting types identified by the DfE as having the greatest need for qualified SENCOs.
Yes. Part-time staff can apply, provided they are employed in an eligible setting or meet the childminder eligibility rules. The programme is designed to be flexible enough to support learners who are not working full time.
This programme leads to an accredited qualification, not just a CPD certificate. Best Practice Network is approved by NCFE to deliver the Level 3 Award for SENCOs in Early Years Settings.
The qualification is delivered over 6 months through a blend of online taught sessions and online study units. Learners complete live tutor-led sessions, along with guided study through the virtual learning environment.
Assessment is completed through an e-portfolio of evidence. Learners work towards 26 assessment criteria and upload assignments throughout the course.