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Funding for eligible adults

Childcare and Education

Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability (RQF) – Online

  • Study online
  • 5 units
Apply online See what you’ll study
Why study online?

Designed to fit around your life

  • Study around your life

    No fixed timetable and no commute. Log in on a lunch break, in the evening or at the weekend, and work at whatever pace suits you.

  • A qualification that counts

    Every course leads to a nationally recognised qualification from an established awarding body, not a certificate of attendance.

  • A real tutor, not just a website

    You submit your work to a tutor who reads it and writes back within five working days, and who you can reach by email or phone during office hours.

  • Funded for eligible adults

    For most adults aged 19 and over living in England, the Adult Skills Fund covers the tuition, the materials and the assessment.

This course will equip learners with a detailed understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including equality and diversity in the context of SEND and legislation and guidance that helps promote this. Learners will also look at how a person-centred approach can benefit individuals living with SEND, how SEND conditions can affect learning and how to support those living with SEND and their families.

The purpose of this qualification is to develop knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities, how individuals with SEND are impacted on a day-to-day basis, and how to support them to live independent and fulfilling lives. This qualification is designed for learners who are currently in a role related to SEND or for those who are considering entering into the sector.

In order for you to gain your full certificate, you need to achieve all 5 mandatory units

  • Introduction to special educational needs and disability
  • Living with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
  • Principles of promoting person centred approach for individuals with SEND
  • Understand Equality and Diversity in context of SEND
  • Understanding SEND and learning

Portfolio of Evidence

This qualification is internally assessed and internally quality assured by Centre staff and externally quality assured by NCFE External Quality Assurance Consultants (EQACs).

How it works

What studying online actually looks like

  • Everything happens online

    The course runs on our online learning platform. There is no need to attend college at any point, though you are welcome to if you would rather work here.

  • You submit work as you go

    Each unit ends in questions you answer and send to your tutor through the platform. There is no exam hall and no fixed deadline to sit anything.

  • Your tutor writes back

    You get full written feedback on every assessment within five working days, and your tutor is available by email or phone during office hours if you get stuck.

Eligibility

Who can study these courses?

Funding eligibility

Funding is set nationally. To study one of these courses at no cost you need to be:

  • Aged 19 or over
  • Currently living in England
  • Resident in the UK or EU for the last three years, for reasons other than study
  • Not currently on an apprenticeship
We check this when you apply, so there is nothing to work out before you start.

For this course

There are no specific entry requirements however learners should have a minimum of level two in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.

The recommended minimum age for this qualification is 16 years and above.

Withdrawals

Your Tutor will provide support and guidance throughout your qualification. In return, we expect learners to demonstrate commitment and engagement in completing the qualification within the academic year.

If no work is submitted for a period of four consecutive weeks, and no mitigating circumstances have been communicated, we will assume that you wish to withdraw from the course. Where mitigating circumstances apply, you must inform your Tutor as soon as possible by telephone or email so that appropriate support and arrangements can be considered.

Please note that, should you be withdrawn from the programme, an administration withdrawal fee of £249 will be payable. This fee covers administrative costs only and is not a charge for tuition.

Progression

Where this course can take you

  1. Before you start
  2. This course Level 2
  3. Further study

Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.

Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

See all 20 courses

At this college

At North Lindsey College

Careers it can lead to

  • Educational Support Assistants £14.50 an hour
  • Care Workers and Home Carers £13.39 an hour
  • With further study or experience Child and Early Years Officers £27,500 a year
  • With further study or experience Special and Additional Needs Education Teaching Professionals £32,700 a year
See all 8 careers

With further study or experience

  • Higher Level Teaching Assistants £17.10 an hour
  • Occupational Therapists £37,000 a year
  • Nursery Education Teaching Professionals £34,800 a year
  • Other Registered Nursing Professionals £36,500 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

Easy to get started

Four steps from here to qualified

  1. 1

    Find the course

    Browse by subject or search for what you need. Every course page lists the units, how long it takes and who it suits.

  2. 2

    Apply online

    Fill in the form. It takes a few minutes and you do not need anything to hand.

  3. 3

    We check you are eligible

    We confirm the funding, set up your account on the learning platform and introduce you to your tutor.

  4. 4

    Study at your own pace

    Work through the units in your own time, send your assessments to your tutor, and finish with a qualification.

Apply online Make an enquiry