Leading SEND Provision and Practice PGCert

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Course Summary

The number of children and young people being identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has increased exponentially across the UK since 2016, with the figure for England currently reported to be over 17% of all pupils in schools. This means that SEND is the responsibility of all those working with children and young people and it is more important than ever to ensure that all educational professionals have the confidence and knowledge to identify, support and meet the needs of learners with SEND.

This new PGCert course has been designed to support all practitioners to develop their knowledge and understanding of effective provision and practice for children and young people with SEND. The course would be suitable for both early career and experienced teachers, teaching assistants, senior leaders and any support staff involved in the support of learners with SEND.

What you'llStudy

Module 1: Professional SEND Knowledge and Understanding - This module analyses the historical perspective of SEND to aid understanding of contemporary legislation and DfE guidance linking this to an evaluation of current practice within settings. Module 2: Leading and Managing SEND Provision - This module examines the different roles within an educational establishment and the importance of a whole-setting approach to supporting learners with SEND. Module 3: Collaborative Working - This module explores the benefits and challenges of working in a collaborative manner with parent/carers and external professionals alongside children and young people themselves.

Who you'll Learn from

Tracey Patterson

Programme Leader MA SEND, MA Autism, NASENCo, HLTA
Tracey Patterson

Sarah Shaw

Senior Lecturer
Sarah Shaw

How you'll Learn

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This course is taught using multiple approaches to learning

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Assessment is via critical reflections, presentations and projects

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This course is designed around in-person and online study

The course has been structured to integrate with the work patterns of busy professionals. The teaching is concentrated into six Saturdays supplemented by six online evening seminars across the academic year.

We use a variety of assessment methods which will enable you to apply the topics studied to your own area of interest and to the setting in which you are working.

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

A 2:2 honours degree in an area broadly related to education, plus relevant experience. Applicants should be working in some capacity with children and young people with SEND. Those with a degree in a different area but with experience of working in an educational setting with children and young people with SEND will also be considered. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency to IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band or equivalent.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester and online

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£2,925for the full course (2025/26)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

This course is not open to international students.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects 

Students who successfully engage with the PGCert Leading SEND Provision and Practice will become confident, reflective practitioners and critical thinkers who can demonstrate a commitment to improving the outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

The course will enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of SEND, developing skills that will support career progression in educational settings and the wider SEND sector. Successful completion may lead to roles within leadership and management; further and higher education such as lecturing or research; or engaging in advisory roles with local authorities, charities or private companies.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.