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Career in Health & Social Care

Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges (SEND Pathway) - Level 4

Summary

Are you an experienced teaching assistant or learning support professional ready to take your practice to the next level? This Level 4 Certificate is designed for those working in schools or colleges who want to deepen their expertise, lead on inclusive practice, and champion the needs of learners with SEND. It’s ideal for practitioners looking to develop leadership, mentoring and coaching skills while continuing to work in a support role.

This work-based qualification builds on your existing knowledge and experience, challenging you to reflect on your practice and explore advanced strategies for supporting learners. You’ll study topics such as professional development, supporting children and young people with SEND, and leading positive change in your setting. With a strong emphasis on reflective practice and leadership, this course empowers you to influence others, drive improvements, and make a lasting impact on learners’ outcomes.

By the end of the course, you’ll be recognised as an Advanced Practitioner, equipped to mentor colleagues, lead initiatives and contribute to whole-school or college development, particularly in the area of special educational needs and disabilities.

  • Course code SA1FE0026
  • Duration 14 Weeks
  • Day/s of week Tuesday
  • Time 18:00 - 21:00

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
27 Jan 2026
Bispham Campus
14 Weeks
08 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
14 Weeks
02 Feb 2027
Bispham Campus
14 Weeks

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

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  • £18,000 Average annual salary in this sector
  • Industry expert tutors
  • 3,000 Annual job openings in the North West

What Uni Reviews

I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and tutors have been amazing. I would recommend this to anyone. *****
- Hayley Butterworth
Enjoyable learning things and issues such as the world around us, being able to find information easily, getting not only learning support but general support such as mental health, e.g really supportive teachers. *****
- Anonymous
Good mentors. ****
- Kyle Cameron

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course is designed for experienced support staff who are ready to take on greater responsibility and lead on inclusive practice within their setting. This course is ideal for those working with children and young people in schools or colleges who want to deepen their understanding of SEND and develop their leadership, mentoring and reflective practice skills.

This qualification forms part of the structured SEND and Workforce Development Pathway, which supports continuing professional development (CPD) and progression into more advanced roles and qualifications within the education sector.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the SEND Pathway, which includes the following courses.

SEND PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Having successfully completed this Level 4 qualification, learners can continue their professional development and progress into more advanced roles or higher-level study. At Blackpool and The Fylde College, the following courses offer natural progression routes:

Progression options include:

These qualifications support your journey into senior roles, enabling you to lead practice, influence policy and contribute to strategic development in schools, colleges and wider educational settings.

Employment Opportunities

This qualification prepares you for more advanced and specialist roles within schools, colleges, and other educational settings. Upon completion, you’ll be well-positioned to take on responsibilities that involve mentoring, leading on SEND provision, and supporting whole-school or college development.

Potential job titles include:

Advanced Teaching Assistant | SEND Support Lead | Learning Mentor | Inclusion Coordinator | Pastoral Support Officer | Specialist Learning Support Assistant | Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) | Education Welfare Support Worker

 

Key information

Entry Requirements

This is a work-based qualification. Learners must be employed in a school or college setting at Level 3 to complete this qualification.

Technical Entry Requirements:

  • Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

  • DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
  • English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content. 

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people. 

Qualification obtained

Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges

Fees and funding

To find out more about various financial support options available for adult learners, please visit our dedicated financial support page for adult learners.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no other costs or equipment needed.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institute: N/A

Awarding Body: NCFE

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

This Level 4 Certificate is made up of five mandatory units, each designed to enhance your professional practice, leadership capabilities, and understanding of inclusive education. You’ll engage in reflective learning and apply your knowledge directly within your school or college setting.

Mandatory Units:

  1. Enabling Individuals to Learn
    Explore how to support and extend learning for all individuals, with a focus on inclusive and personalised approaches.
  2. Understand How to Support Children and Young People to Improve Their Mental Health and Wellbeing
    Develop strategies to promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in educational settings.
  3. Working with Others to Support Individuals with Additional Needs and Disability in a School or College
    Learn how to collaborate effectively with colleagues, families, and external professionals to support learners with SEND.
  4. Working with Families and Other Professionals in a School or College Setting
    Understand the importance of partnership working and how to build strong, supportive relationships with families and professionals.
  5. Implementing Change in School or College Setting
    Lead a work-based project that drives positive change in your setting, demonstrating leadership, initiative, and reflective practice.

These units are assessed through a combination of workplace observations, written assignments, and a professional development project, ensuring that your learning is both practical and impactful.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

To successfully complete this qualification, learners must be employed in a Level 3 role within a learning environment, such as a school or college. This is essential, as the course requires you to demonstrate competence in both practical skills and theoretical knowledge through workplace-based assessments and a professional development project.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich the learning experience through guest lectures, employer engagement, and live briefs. Recent sessions have included insights from SEND coordinators, inclusion leads, and mental health professionals working in education. These opportunities allow learners to connect with current practice, explore leadership strategies, and gain inspiration for implementing change within their own settings.

Learning Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support
A teacher supports a student with classwork, offering encouragement and praise from behind.
A woman engages with children in a supportive circle, fostering interaction and connection.
A vibrant, empty classroom with tables and blue chairs.
A teacher supports a student with classwork, offering encouragement and praise from behind. A woman engages with children in a supportive circle, fostering interaction and connection. A vibrant, empty classroom with tables and blue chairs.
A teacher supports a student with classwork, offering encouragement and praise from behind.
A woman engages with children in a supportive circle, fostering interaction and connection.
A vibrant, empty classroom with tables and blue chairs.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme. 

Teaching takes place in hybrid classrooms, allowing for interactive, tutor-led sessions that support both classroom-based and remote participation when appropriate. The programme primarily focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world care scenarios. 

This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector. 

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.

Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

  • Early Years Advanced Practitioner - Level 4 Certificate

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  • Teaching and Learning Support - Foundation Degree

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  • Early Childhood Studies - Certificate of Higher Education

    View course

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

  • Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
  • Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
  • Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.

Grading:

  • The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
  • The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.