Your course to make change

Free Online Course:
Special Education Needs & Disability - Level 2 Certificate

Gain important knowledge & discover the support available

This qualification is aimed at anyone seeking to improve their knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), either for personal or professional reasons.

Limited Spaces

UK Government funded online course. Qualification accredited by NCFE CACHE

Free Online Course

Fully-funded by HM Government

100% Online

Learn from your home or office

Expert Support

Expert tutor support available

6 Week Course

4-5 hours of weekly study

About Special Education Needs & Disability

Learners will consider many aspects of SEND, including the symptoms of specific conditions, legislation and guidance applicable to individuals with SEND and how such conditions affect individuals in daily life.

Is it really free?

Simple answer – if you meet the eligibility criteria below, then, yes! No fee, no card details and no trial periods…

We connect you with training providers that use the UK Government’s Adult Education Budget to fund the free online courses.

Eligibility Criteria

*EEA nationals will need to have obtained either pre settlement or settled status and provide evidence of this.

Receive an accredited NCFE CACHE or TQUK certificate

The certificate is a record of achievement and your reward for completing a nationally recognised qualification.

NCFE CACHE and TQUK are both fully-approved as awarding organisations by Ofqual
Demonstrate to employers that you have gained a recognised and regulated qualification in your chosen subject
Last year alone, over a quarter of a million learners chose to learn via NCFE CACHE
Build the foundations to improve your job prospects

The free online course is split into manageable units

To be awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Special Education Needs & Disability, learners must successfully complete all course units.

Introduction to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

Section 1: Understand the different conditions categorised as SEND conditions
Section 2: Understand different models of disabilities
Section 3: Understand how the rights and support available to those with a conditions categorised as SEND have changed over time.

Unit 1 summary:

In this unit, learners will explore a range of SEND conditions and the causes of these, as well as the social and medical models of disability. They will also learn about barriers that individuals with SEND might face and positive changes that have occurred over time in relation to SEND.

Understand equality and diversity in the context of SEND

Section 1: Understand the concept of equality and diversity
Section 2: Understand legislation and guidance which supports individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Section 3: Understand the importance of safeguarding an individual with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Section 4: Understand the benefits of a diverse and inclusive society for an individual with SEND.

Unit 2 summary:

Learners will look at equality, diversity and inclusion within the workplace, community and wider society, as well as exploring relevant legislation and guidance in relation to SEND. They will also learn about safeguarding and the legislation surrounding this, and the different types of abuse.

Principles of promoting person centred approach for individuals with SEND

Section 1: Understand person centred approaches
Section 2: Understand the importance of encouraging active participation
Section 3: Understand the importance of an individual’s well-being.

Unit 3 summary:

Learners will learn about the person-centred approach in relation to send, and the importance of active participation for individuals. They will also look at well-being and how this can be promoted.

Understanding SEND and learning

Section 1: Understand the importance of inclusive learning
Section 2: Understand the use of support programmes for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Section 3: Understand the role of reasonable adjustments
Section 4: Understand Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

Unit 4 summary:

Learners will explore different learning styles and support programmes used in educational settings. They will also learn about reasonable adjustments and how Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans work.

Living with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Section 1: Understand the concept of neurodiversity
Section 2: Understand the concept of the self
Section 3: Understand the impact of societal and cultural influences on individuals with conditions categorised as SEND
Section 4: Understand sources of support for individuals with SEND and the families
Section 5: Understand the impact stigma has on individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Unit 5 summary:

Learners will learn about neurodiversity and self-identity, as well as how societal and cultural influences can impact on individuals with SEND. They will also look at the support available for individuals with SEND and their families, as well as the effects of stigma.

Happy Learners in 2020

Join thousands of happy learners

Complete the short form below to register your interest in Special Education Needs and Disability

Interested in this course as an organisation, business representative or charity?

Register interest and a course advisor will be in touch to discuss your organisation’s needs or learn more about Free Courses in England’s opportunities for organisations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Call us on 0800 001 5910, jump on live chat or email us

Is the course definitely free?

If you meet the eligibility criteria then YES!

We connect you with learning providers that use government funding, in the form of the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Adult Educational Budget (AEB).

When can I start the free online course?

We hope to get you started within 24 hours of completing the full enrolment process but this can vary depending on the learning provider.

How long will the free online course take?

The courses are designed to allow learners to fit their learning around their employment obligations and can be completed in a number of weeks or months, depending on the level. Our shorter courses are often completed within 3 weeks, whilst our longer lasting courses can take up to 3 months.

Is it all online?

Yes! All of our free courses are 100% online.

Is the qualification recognised by employers?

All of our courses are accredited by UK government-recognised awarding bodies. These include NCFE CACHE and TQUK, with whom we work closely to ensure our existing courses, and all new ones, meet approved standards of excellence and are certified as such. NCFE CACHE and TQUK are national awarding organisations that design, develops and certifies nationally recognised qualifications and awards.

All qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and are the perfect way to boost any CV.

How many free online courses can I take?

You can only take one course at a time but you can take up to 7 in one academic year.

Do I need to sit an Exam?

No, there are no exams, all courses require you to complete assessment questions based on the knowledge you have just gained from the units.

Why am I required to upload such personal information?

The courses we offer are all funded qualifications, meaning you need to be eligible for government funding in order to secure your a place. This information is a funding requirement and proves your eligibility.