The DfE has made available an extra 2,000 free places on the accredited level 3 early years special educational needs training programme to increase the number of SENCos in England.
Making the announcement today, the expansion of the training, which is delivered by the Best Practice Network (BPN), forms part of the Department for Education’s Early Years Recovery Programme. It is on top of the 5,000 places already announced last year.
The new places will be available until August 2024, with priority given to SENCos in areas currently under-represented in the training uptake, including the north- east and north-west of England.
Existing early years SENCos with a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, or those due to take-up the role of a SENCo, are eligible for training if working in a ‘group-based setting’ or as a childminder.
