Special Educational Needs in Action is a high-impact, modular professional learning programme designed for new and experienced practitioners, learning support assistants, teachers and leaders who want to strengthen inclusive practice and improve outcomes for learners with additional needs.
Grounded in evidence-based SEN pedagogy, this programme responds directly to the realities of contemporary education — increasing diversity of need, growing complexity, and the requirement for inclusive, relational and well-planned support across primary, post-primary and further education settings.
Each unit is 10 credits, delivered live online on Mondays (7.00–9.00pm), and can be taken individually or stacked towards a full, recognised award.
Certificate in SEN in Action for Learning Professionals
| Unit | Date | Topic | Click to book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Mon 2nd March-13th April 2026 | Introduction to SEN Categories and Inclusive Education | Book Now |
| Unit 2 | 20th April– 7th June 2026 | Communication and Language Support Needs | Book Now |
| Unit 3 | 14th Sept – 19th Oct 2026 | Autism Specialist Interventions and Sensory Learning | Book Now |
| Unit 4 | 2nd Nov-14th Dec 2026 | Nurture and Trauma Informed Practices | Book Now |
| Unit 5 | 11th Jan - 15th Feb 27 | Primary/Post Primary/ Further Education Specialist Training - dealing with the early years and primary child's needs, supporting children with needs in post primary, working with vulnerable adults in transition to FE Colleges or other post 16 environments | Book Now |
| Unit 6 | 22nd Feb - 29th March 27 | Observing Learners with Needs and Planning for Support in Partnership with Stakeholders | Book Now |
| All 6 units | See dates above | Book Now |
An information session on this course will take place on Thursday 5th or Friday 6th February at 6pm. To register please click here.
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Overview of SEN categories and profiles
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Inclusive education principles and practice
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Roles of practitioners and support staff
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Creating inclusive learning environments
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Communication and language development
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Identifying barriers to communication
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Classroom and support strategies
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Working with specialists and families
10 credits | 2 hours per week | Monday 7.00–9.00pm
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Autism-affirming approaches
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Sensory processing and sensory environments
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Supporting engagement, communication and independence
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Practical strategies for classroom and support settings
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Attachment, trauma and adverse experiences
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Nurture-based approaches in education
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Building safe, relational learning environments
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Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour
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Supporting early years and primary learners
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Meeting SEN in post-primary settings
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Supporting vulnerable young people and adults in FE
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Transition, continuity and progression
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Observation and assessment approaches
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Planning targeted support and interventions
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Working with families, professionals and agencies
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Reviewing impact and next steps
Students may choose from the following payment options via the eShop when booking their place on a course or unit of study:
- Pay per unit: Select and pay for one unit at a time.
- Pay for multiple units: Choose each unit you wish to pay for during checkout. Please note the dates for each unit in your programme on the course website.
- Pay in full / Sponsored payment: If you wish to pay for the entire programme at once, or if a sponsor is paying on your behalf, select “Pay All Units” on eshop.
Please note: A full programme consists of six units of study. The Stranmillis academic year begins in September, and students enrolled on our CPD courses often study across more than one academic year. Where fees are paid in advance and study spans two academic years, the College reserves the right to apply a fee adjustment to reflect any increase in costs. Any such uplift is typically minimal.