This information is brought to you by Slough Borough Council, on behalf of Department for Education and Best Practice Network for the attention of all Early Years settings.
June is full, but there’s still time to start in July!
The Early Years SENCO Level 3 programme from the Department for Education and Best Practice Network is taking the Early Years sector by storm and changing the way settings approach SEND in England.
It is proving so popular that the June Early Years SENCO intake filled up more than a week before the deadline, with thousands of early years practitioners moving quickly to secure their fully-funded place.
Best Practice Network is now working with these practitioners to help them get set up and ready to start their training to become Early Years SENCOs.
But don’t worry! Even if you missed the June intake, you still have time to join the next intake, which starts in July. You will need to apply by no later than Sunday 21 June.
This is the official Department for Education Early Years SENCO programme and as such it is fully-funded for eligible practitioners, meaning there is no cost to you or your setting.
Remember, there is no limit to how many people can train to be a SENCO at your setting, and some settings are choosing to train up to 5 practitioners so they have more SEND knowledge, confidence and capacity in place.
The programme is suitable for:
• Level 3 educators in private, voluntary and independent settings in England
• Ofsted-registered childminders
• Childminders registered with a Childminding Agency
Over 6 months, you will build the knowledge, skills and confidence to support children with SEND and work more effectively with families and other professionals.
You will explore key areas of the Early Years SENCO role, including SEND guidance and legislation, early identification, the Graduated Approach, working with parents and carers, communication and language delay, EAL, EHCPs, SEN funding and local support services.
The programme is delivered 100% online through flexible study units and live taught sessions with experienced tutors, making it easier to fit training around your work in an early years setting.
Apply by Sunday 21 June to be considered for the July intake: Early Years SENCO 2026 | Best Practice Network
Everyone who completes the programme receives a certificate and an EY SENCO lanyard and pin badge to show that they are Early Years SENCO certified.
Settings also receive a certificate and a digital image to show parents that their staff are trained SENCOs
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at eysen@bestpracticenet.co.uk or call 0117 920 9428. Our team will be happy to guide you to the best option.
