Something better is coming soon - Planned system downtime from 5pm Thursday 26 March

ETF is creating a new digital experience for the FE and skills workforce, bringing together membership, professional development and sector support in one place. To complete this transition, all ETF online systems will be unavailable from 5pm on Thursday 26 March to Wednesday 1 April.

The ETF Booking system will permanently close on Thursday 26 March. From Wednesday 1 April, MyETF will be your single ETF account and professional body platform to book and access all ETF courses, resources, CPD, and events.

If you are booked on a scheduled online or in-person course during this time, it will still go ahead as planned. All the details will have been emailed to you. Once the new platform is live, we’ll email you with simple steps to set-up and personalise your new MyETF account.

Learn more about what’s coming and read our FAQs

Specialist Status in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (Code: C1857)

SEND
Back

This is a Specialist Status in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SSSEND) validation process and not a CPD learning programme. Specialist statuses validate current expert knowledge, skills, and behaviours within educational settings in the FE and Skills sector. They ensure and sustain an individual’s impact and influence on other professionals, learners, and your organisation.  

Pricing options

Non-member: £245 (VAT exempt)

Member: £215.60 (VAT exempt) with use of SET member discount code

SET members are eligible for the discounted rate. Please enter the discount code provided in the Member Portal at checkout.

Upcoming

Book
Online - Specialist Status in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
Date: 02/06/2026
Price: from £245.00
Booking Close Date: 29/05/2026
Eligibility is the responsibility of the customers. Before booking please refer the entry requirements below.
Session 1
Date: 02/06/2026 - 26/08/2026
No suitable dates or locations? Please register your interest and we will let you know about new events as they are announced.

Who is this for?

Educators, leaders and professional support staff primarily within the Further Education and Skills (FES) sector.      

  • are experts in SEND within their own educational   environments.    
  • have a direct or indirect (via SEND practices) on learners' achievement, progress, and employability    
  • have self-awareness of their own SEND strengths and areas for development   
  • develop and share SEND role, subject and/or industry specific expertise     
  • use evaluation and feedback to understand the impact of SEND work    
  • collaborate to support SEND work    
  • ensure SEND practice is accessible and inclusive  

Training aim

None – although opportunities to further knowledge and skills are embedded, this is a Specialist Status in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SSSEND) validation process and not a CPD learning programme.  

 

Outcomes

None – this is not a CPD programme.   

There are 9 competencies that must be evidenced during the validation programme.  

The SSSEND process validates and confirms existing advanced knowledge, skills, behaviours and effective practice related to SEND. The programme does not contain learning materials.  

The SSSEND is not suitable for those seeking an introductory programme to SEND. Applicants who are currently building their knowledge and skills in SEND may need to undertake CPD prior to registering for the SSSEND programme.  

Length

12 weeks 

Entry Requirements

Requirements to undertake the validation programme:  

  • be working in an educational setting or environment, either on a paid or voluntary basis  
  • support from your organisation  
  • be in a position to demonstrate  
    • a high level of effective practice and application of   SEND in an educational environment
    • opportunities to further develop advanced knowledge, skills and behaviours related to SEND policy to continue demonstrating the most effective practice in your own setting
  • opportunities to apply SEND  knowledge, skills and   behaviours with in your own role, professional setting  and/or organisation
  • opportunities to evidence impact of the SSSEND developmental process on your own practice, learners, colleagues or organisation in accordance with  the nine core competencies in the programme framework
  • there is no requirement to hold formal qualifications in  SEND to access the programme. 

Contact us

If this course is not currently available at a suitable date/location, please register your interest and we will let you know about new events as they are announced.

If you have any questions, please contact:

T: 0800 0 831 830
E: enquiries@etfoundation.co.uk