Early Childhood Special Educational Needs (ECSEN) Level 3 Award
This qualification is designed for early years and primary school practitioners working in international and private school settings. It’s suitable for leaders, teachers, assistants and support staff.
The ECSEN course provides key skills in identifying and supporting young children with special educational needs.
Qualified staff will be able to work closely with families and professionals to ensure children receive the right support, helping to secure the best possible outcomes in their early development and learning.
99% of participants would recommend this programme to an Early Years Practitioner
Impact Survey, August 2024
Course duration
6 months
Accredited by
NCFE
For educators in global settings
Online learning method
Access to expert guidance
Total learning hours
34
About the ECSEN Award:
After successfully delivering the Early Years SENCO Award in partnership with the Department for Education to thousands of candidates across England, we have created the Early Childhood Special Educational Needs Award specifically for the international market.
This award is designed to support educators and children worldwide by equipping practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to coordinate SEN provision confidently in their settings.
Delivered by Best Practice Network, it reflects our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality SEN training for early childhood professionals around the globe.
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ECSEN Award overview:
The Level 3 Award in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion qualification is recognised, validated and accredited by NCFE.
Successful learners will gain the knowledge and confidence to support children with additional needs. The course explores the educator’s role in SEN provision, along with practical strategies for working with children, families and professionals.
Topics include international legislation, safeguarding, equality and inclusion, linguistic diversity, and reflective practice - all with a focus on early identification and personalised support.
View Framework
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Who should apply for the ECSEN Award?
- Teaching Assistants
- Support staff
- Teachers
- School leaders
- Nursery managers
Testimonials:
"I'm an inclusion teacher and the content is relevant. It's interesting to see how it's done in the UK and given me a wider understanding of policies and laws" - Hannah W | COBIS International School UAE "The information provided was easy to follow, including the study guide, the course overview, further reading suggestions, and more. It was wonderful to have the first session live, even if the others were recorded to fit our busy schedules." - Emina H | COBIS International School Slovenia "The learning journey has been incredibly enriching for me, particularly in the areas of legal frameworks for inclusion, the SEND Toolkit for improving inclusive practices, reflective practice, and strategies for supporting my staff in identifying and meeting the needs of children with SEN." - Karina E |The Winstedt School Singapore
Click here to enlargeHow is the ECSEN Award delivered?
The ECSEN Award is delivered over 6 months through Online Taught Sessions and Online Study Units.The Online Taught Sessions are 3 hours long and consist of live tutor-led training, incorporating pre-reading tasks, breakout room activities, group discussion and group training. Participants can choose to complete the Online Taught Sessions on either weekday mornings, afternoons or evenings.
The Online Study Units are delivered through the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment. Login details and induction training will be provided before the programme starts.
What are the benefits of completing the ECSEN Award?
Completing this award ensures that children with special educational needs and disabilities get the support they deserve.
Benefits for schools
- Having a certified ECSEN teacher can boost your team’s ability to identify and respond to SEN needs early - supporting better outcomes for all children.
- Families are more likely to engage with a setting that has a inclusive provision, especially when their child has additional needs.
- With certified staff, your setting can proudly promote its inclusive values - supported by official status, digital banners, and a certificate.
Benefits for learners
- Gain practical tools and up-to-date knowledge to take the lead in SEN support across your setting.
- This nationally recognised qualification helps you stand out and take the next step in your early childhood career.
- Learn how to create effective support plans and work meaningfully with families - impacting children's lives right from the start.
Frequently asked questions about the ECSEN Award
This award is open to anyone working in an educational setting - specifically nurseries & primary - in a teaching, support or leadership role with children.
The ECSEN Award is £950 plus VAT where applicable. VAT is chargeable on courses funded by private individuals.
The ECSEN Award specification is clear that the number of Guided Learning Hours (GLH) is 24 and the Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 34, although clearly some individual learners may take more or less hours in terms of TQT. The Guided Learning Hours on our programme equate to 12 hours of taught sessions (4 x 3 hours) and an expectation of a minimum of 12 hours online study.
Total Qualification time will include induction to the programme, initial needs analysis, 2 x 45 minute calls with a mentor, and assessment activity.
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).
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