As part of the Government’s SEND and alternative provision improvement plan, the NPQ SENCO will become the statutory required qualification for practicing or aspiring SENCOs from September 2024. 

Leeds Trinity has been selected as the Church of England Education Office’s official delivery partner in Yorkshire and the North East, thanks to its experience in delivering courses such as the National Award in Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (NASENCO), for which it has held the service level agreement for the Leeds local authority for the last seven years. 

This makes the University the main provider of the NPQ SENCO for the two regions and one of five main providers of the award across the country.  

The course will explore how outstanding provision and policy can be developed in schools to best meet the diverse needs of children and young people using evidenced-based best practice. In partnership with All Saints Catholic School in York, the course will be led by highly experienced academics and practice professionals from Leeds Trinity through a blend of on-campus and online learning. 

With start dates in November 2024 and April 2025, studying will take place at Leeds Trinity’s Main Campus in Horsforth and its Leeds City Campus, located near the train station, as well as online.  

Leeds Trinity will also deliver to a cohort in the North East of England, helping to develop and strengthen relationships with multi-academy trusts and local authorities in the area. 

Bev Peartree, Associate Professor in Professional Practice in the School of Children, Young People and Families at the University, led Leeds Trinity’s application to deliver the NPQ. A former teacher, SENCO and senior leader of inclusion in secondary schools, Bev works both in practice and strategically in schools, local authorities and national organisations on SEN and inclusion issues. 

Bev Peartree, Programme Leader of the NPQ SENCO at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am excited to build on our expertise as a key provider of SENCO education. Leeds Trinity University has developed an excellent relationship with the Church of England and we believe that our continued partnership work with support schools, colleges and other educational settings will improve provision and outcomes in their settings for SEN. We already have an excellent record in delivery of such programmes and fully understand the needs in this area around workforce development linked to the national school improvement strategy in SEN. We look forward to working with both existing and new partners in this new endeavor.” 

Steve Sandwell, Assistant Headteacher at All Saints Catholic School in York, said: “All Saints Catholic School is proud to be a Key Delivery Partner for the Church of England, offering a suite of National Professional Qualifications for teachers and school leaders in the North of England. We are particularly pleased to be working even more closely with Leeds Trinity University to provide high quality learning experiences with the Church of England, in partnership with the Catholic Education Service.” 

Kate Sicolo, Programme Lead, NPQ Standard at CofE, said: “We are really excited to be launching the NPQ SENCO qualification to schools across the UK from the Autumn 2024. We are delighted to be partnering with Leeds Trinity University as key strategic delivery partners for us in that geographical area.” 

For more information about the NPQ SENCO course at Leeds Trinity, visit the University website.