Join today

Level 1 SENCO Essentials for Early Years Practitioners

Gain knowledge, confidence and skills to recognise early emerging needs, provide inclusive support, and work effectively with families.
This introductory SEN course covers early identification, developmental red flags, inclusive practice, working with families, legal duties, safeguarding links, the Graduated Approach, and understanding referral pathways.
Fully aligned with the 2025 Early Years Foundation Stage and the SEND Code of Practice.
Write your awesome label here.

Learners

Assignments

Hours

Videos

Module Contents

Each module contains 1 x learning video and 1 x multiple choice quiz
  • Module 1 — What SEND Means in Early Years
    A clear introduction to what Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are, the different types of need, and your responsibilities under the Early Years Foundation Stage.

  • Module 2 — Early Identification and Developmental Red Flags
    Learn how to spot early emerging needs through observation, daily routines, and recognising communication, play, sensory and emotional differences.

  • Module 3 — Foundations of Inclusive Practice
    Understand how to remove barriers, adapt routines, use visuals, support sensory needs and create a sense of belonging for every child.

  • Module 4 — Working With Families and Building Trust
    Develop skills to communicate concerns sensitively, respect cultural differences, support parent emotions and strengthen partnership.

  • Module 5 — Referral Awareness and Early SEN Processes
    Know when and how to raise concerns, what to record, and how the SENCO leads the graduated approach and early referral steps.

  • Module 6 — Legal Duties, the Equality Act and Safeguarding Links
    Understand your statutory responsibilities, how equality and inclusion link to safeguarding, and what “reasonable adjustments” mean in practice.

  • Module 7 — Working With Families in a Respectful, Supportive Way
    Strengthen partnership with families through empathy, non-judgemental communication, and clear, supportive SEND conversations.

  • Module 8 — Understanding the Graduated Approach
    A simple introduction to Assess, Plan, Do, Review and how practitioners support each stage with observations and consistent practice.

  • Module 9 — Knowing When to Seek Help and Referral Pathways
    Explains who practitioners speak to, how escalation works, and how external agencies fit into early SEND support.

  • Module 10 — Embedding Inclusion in Daily Practice
    Shows how inclusion becomes part of daily routines, communication, sensory awareness and emotional safety throughout the whole setting.