Review of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination Provider Group quality assurance processes

Abstract

This report examined the quality assurance (QA) processes set up by the Award Provider Group when National Award for SEN Coordination oversight and funding (for teacher training) were withdrawn by the Department for Education in 2014. We interviewed 22 members of the Provider Group, including individuals from long-term and new (post-2014) providers. Data analysis showed that the QA processes worked well, providing the rigour and checks that the Provider Group were seeking. Members’ commitment to and belief in the importance of the National Award have led to the generation of a collaborative approach between competitors, and this is proving to be innovative, dynamic and supportive. However, to ensure they can continue to maintain the integrity and improve the quality of the National Award, the QA processes would benefit from: revisions to the Quality Standards Framework; creating an external reference group; involvement with external professional bodies such as the Chartered College of Teaching; continuing to publish a list of approved providers; public endorsement from an outside agency such as the DfE.