The DfE has published the Level 3 Early Years SENCO qualification specification. The qualifications developed from this specification are intended to support early years practitioners to gain accreditation for the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to perform the Early Years SENCO role effectively. The qualifications are not mandatory. This recommended specification has been designed by early years experts and stakeholders supported by the Department for Education (DfE).
The DfE has also published a Level 3 EY SENCO job description, which is intended as guidance for early years providers and practitioners to help clarify the role of the Early Years SENCO in non-maintained early years settings.
Finally, notes for awarding organisations around the SENCO qualification have also been published.
At the same time, Action for Children has compiled a set of five case studies which represent some of the work going on across the country to support children with SEND. These case studies give examples of good practice in relation to the role of the setting SENCO.