Why People Enrol

“Just to let you know I have just enrolled on the Special Education Needs Diploma and have just started my online course. I deliberated for some time before choosing the TAC course and after much research plumped for what I consider to be the best course at the best price. The website was very helpful and included video explanations for each course which brought the course to life for me explaining what it entailed in language I could understand.

Before finally deciding on this course I enquired with my colleagues and the head teacher at the infant school I currently work in and having printed out the syllabus and course details all agreed that this was perfect for my teaching assistant specialism with children who have special education needs.

Although I currently have part time employment with the school I am looking for a permanent contract as a SEN teaching assistant. I believe this qualification along with my experience will put me at the top of the pile when it comes to job applications. So far the course is living up to expectations and the low deposit with monthly instalment payments has helped me budget.

I am sure the cost the course will pay for itself many times over in the future. – C. R.”

“I have just enrolled onto the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Diploma Course - Level 3, and received my course materials very promptly. The coursework seems easy to engage with - the modules are split into activities and then the assignments; it is reassuring to know you have a personal tutor if any queries arise. It is also handy that you are sent tips and techniques on planning your own learning so you can get the most out of your course. I chose this course as I have recently started part time work as a teaching assistant in a special education department within a mainstream secondary school and I am eager to expand my knowledge of special educational needs (SEN). I can easily mould this course around my social and working life and by doing this I know I will enjoy my time spent studying this course and improving my personal attributes - I have planned to study one module per month so hope to be complete by the end of summer term. Fingers crossed! – K. M. H.”

“Hello, I am from Bulgaria and I have more than ten years experience as a PE teacher in my country. I enrolled Special Education Needs SEN course in Teaching Assistant Centre, because with this course I will improve my knowledge and qualification. When I finish this course I will enrol Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. I want to thank Teaching Assistant Centre for excellent quality of the courses – D. H.”

“I have just enrolled on the Level 3 special needs education course. My son attends part time at a SEN school. I was hoping this course could give me a better understanding of how to help him. Also I'm hoping this course might give me a bit of an edge on my career change in my goal of becoming a teaching assistant.

I looked at many courses on the net but choose to go with yourselves as I was impressed at your website and the courses on offer. I've researched the role of teaching assistant and the qualifications the government recommend you hold for the position and you provide the courses they recommend unlike some other online colleges. Paying in monthly instalments makes it affordable and I'm hoping by the end of the year I can be on my way to a new career and have a better understanding of how I can help my son. – S. N.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question to view it's answer.

Enrolling

1. What are the study options available to me?
   • You have the option to study for your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course via the paper-based or online method. With paper-based study you receive one lesson at a time, with one question paper. This will be posted to you. Once you have completed the question paper for the assignment, you can email, fax or post your answers back to the college. Alternatively if you enrolled for the online course you can submit all course work online. Once your personal tutor has received and marked your answers, we post or email you out the next lesson and question paper with your feedback from your previous question paper. This process continues like this until you have completed your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course.
2. When do the Special Educational Needs (SEN) courses start?
   • Unlike traditional schools, colleges or universities there are no terms, semesters, or specified intake dates for our uniquely flexible distance education courses. The system of continuous enrolment means that the students can enrol on any day and at any time of the year. This allows the students the freedom to plan their studies to fit in with their lifestyle or work commitments.
3. Do I need any previous qualifications or experience to enrol on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) course?
   • No, our Special Educational Needs (SEN) courses are available to all students of all academic backgrounds. If you are concerned that you may have difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly course advisors who will be more than willing to discuss the options available to you.
4. How do I enrol on my course?
   • The enrolment application process can be accessed by clicking on the enrol button and completing the secure online registration form. If you use any of the debit or credit cards you are welcome to phone in or fax your enrolment. You are also welcome to send a cheque into the college.
5. Can I study a course if I live outside of the United Kingdom?
   • Being a truly global College, we cater for students all over the World. We encourage and welcome international students to join our learning community. Our Special Educational Needs (SEN) courses are specifically designed to be delivered via Distance Education and Home Study. The question papers for your course can be completed from the comfort of your own home. There will be no need for you to attend any physical location like a test centre or campus.
6. Do I have to attend college at any time or are there any external exams?
   • No the whole course is studied via distance learning. Question papers are completed at the end of each of the modules and these are sent to your course tutor who will then send you specific feedback and chance to redo any of the questions if necessary.
7. When will I receive my first lessons and welcome pack?
   • We know that you are eager to start your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course. That is why we process your enrolment and dispatch your course materials to you within three working days. Online course material is normally sent on the same day of enrolment.
8. Do I need any additional study material?
   • No, our Special Educational Needs (SEN) courses are complete (in the very rare case were a course text book is advised, this will be clearly displayed on our website). However we always encourage our students to conduct their own further reading.
9. Where can I find additional study resources?
   • The Internet and local libraries normally provide a large source of information. We also encourage the student to contact their personal tutor for additional sources and reading lists.

Payment

1. What are the postal costs?
   • The cost to post your course material to the UK is £12.99 and £25 to everywhere else. There is no postal fee should you choose the Online Method of Study.
2. Is paying by instalments an option?
   • If you would like to pay for your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course by instalments, we do offer an affordable payment plan scheme that allows you to spread the cost of your course over a period of roughly six months. When you enrol on your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course you simply pay a small deposit followed by a structured monthly repayment plan.
3. What date do the instalments get taken?
   • Instalments are taken during the 1st to 10th of the month. This is to allow for the weekend to start on the first of the month, as general rule they are taken within first 3 or 4 working days of the month. If you enrol before the 25th of a month your first instalment will be taken the beginning of the following month. Enrolments 26th or after will have first instalment taken at the beginning of the month after i.e. about 5/6 weeks later.
4. Does the 7 day return policy apply to online enrolments?
   • Yes, you have 7 days from receiving course access to give notice in writing that you intend to return the course. Please note that it is not possible to have a refund if you have viewed more than 50% of the course content.
5. Are there any further course costs involved?
   • No, once your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course has been paid for there are no further costs involved.
6. Is there any funding for people on benefits or low income?
   • As the course is coming out to you from a privately funded college with no government help/grants etc we are unable to offer any discount.

Distance Education

1. How does Home Study via Distance Education work?
   • Once you have enrolled for your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course, your welcome package, instructions and first two lessons of learning material are sent out to you, as well as the name of your personal tutor at the college. At the end of each lesson you will find a question paper on the work that you have covered. Only when you feel ready, do you complete and return this to your personal tutor at the college. Your personal tutor then marks your paper and returns it to you with your feedback, you are also sent your next lesson and question paper.
2. What are the benefits of Distance Education?
   • There are a huge range of benefits of studying via Distance Education. These include: 1) Flexibility - Through distance learning you can study at times that are convenient for you. Thus plan your study around your work or lifestyle commitments. 2) Affordability – As there are no high premises overheads (e.g. classrooms and large campuses) as many traditional schools, colleges or universities, we are able to pass on these savings to the student by reducing the course fees. 3) Support - All students have access to their own personal tutor who is an experienced professional in their field of study. Your dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) personal tutor is totally committed to helping you succeed and is always on hand to answer any query you may have, no matter how big or small. Not only do you study what you want, when you want, but can be confident of receiving all the help and support you need as your studies develop. This system allows students with time or lifestyle constraints to improve their education without having to attend classes at a physical location. They are focused upon allowing students to study when and where they like by removing fixed timings and durations. Why not say goodbye to long commutes which waste valuable time that could otherwise be spent with your friends and family? Distance education should be about convenience and flexibility. No other Distance Education Provider offers you more.

Studying

1. How long will it take to complete the Special Educational Needs (SEN) course?
   • Each lesson should take you between 3 - 6 hours of study. Please note: This is only an approximate figure and is dependent upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.
2. How difficult will my Special Educational Needs (SEN) course be?
   • As an estimate, the levels of learning for the Special Educational Needs (SEN) courses range from a vocational standard all the way up to a certificate in higher education. The courses have been written and structured especially for home study, thus you will always find that the course material is written in a clear, concise and easy to understand format.
3. Is a placement required on this course?
   • No the entire course is completed by home study. It has been designed specifically so that those who for whatever reason cannot attend college or a placement are still able to gain the award.
4. Will I receive professional help throughout the duration of my Special Educational Needs (SEN) course?
   • All students have access to their own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to phone, fax or email your personal tutor. Students also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice, this ensures that a student never feels neglected and always succeeds! Our commitment to the needs of our students makes it the best and most flexible Distance Education College in the World!
5. How will I be tested throughout my Special Educational Needs (SEN) course?
   • After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course. All of the question papers for your course can be completed from the comfort of your own home. There will be no need for you to attend any physical location like a test centre or campus.
6. What type of questions will I be asked to complete?
   • The types of questions you will be asked will vary from multiple-choice questions, true or false, a single word answer, a single paragraph, to a short essay. Either way, you can be assured that you will be able to successfully answer the questions from the work you have covered in the course materials.
7. How do I return my completed question paper to the college?
   • Your Special Educational Needs (SEN) question papers may be returned to us in number of ways: 1) You can post your question paper directly to your personal tutor at the college in the envelope provided, 2) You can fax your question paper into the college, 3) You can email your question paper into the college and it will be forwarded on to your personal tutor.
8. What are the time limits or deadline dates?
   • Unlike other Distance Education Colleges, we impose no time limits or pressures on you to complete your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course material. Your course will not expire, and it will not become invalid until you have successfully completed it. All that we ask, is that you inform the college if you are intending to take a break from studying for a period of 6 months or more.
9. Will I succeed if I have had an extended break from study?
   • When you enrol on your course, as well as receiving your Special Educational Needs (SEN) course materials, you will also receive a study guide. This is an in-depth guide, which is aimed to support those students who are either new to study, or who are returning to study. It contains useful tips, guidance and advice on a variety of study methods that will assist you throughout your course. Furthermore we pride ourselves on our high level of student support. You can always be assured that, your personal tutor, a member of our professional administration team or a friendly course advisor will always be available to deal with any queries you may have, even if it's just for a chat.

Qualifications

1. What is NCFE?
   • NCFE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.
     
     NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.
     
     Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE. The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE Award certificate of achievement.
2. Do I obtain a diploma once I have completed my Special Educational Needs (SEN) course?
   • The Special Educational Needs (SEN) courses are recognised by a wide variety of groups, including employers, professional associations, governing bodies, as well as national and international licensing authorities across the world. On successful completion of your course you will receive an attractively presented Diploma or Certificate issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, this will also allow you to use the letters SAC. Dip. or SAC. Cert. after your name.
3. Why are there both a diploma and level 3 certificates?
   • The diploma is a certificate of attendance as it were to acknowledge that you enrolled on and studied the course. The level 3 certificate however is a certificate of competence to confirm that you studied the whole course to level 3 standard and this is accredited by NCFE one of the most reputable awarding bodies in the UK.
4. Will it include the words level 3 on the certificate?
   • Yes, this is clearly stated.
5. Is the NCFE award recognised in Scotland?
   • Although a level 3 award on the English NQF is going to be approximately the same level of learning as a level 3 on the Scottish NQF, Scotland is of course different.
     
     Scotland has SQA which is a regulator and an awarding body. The framework is only for SVQs (The Scottish version of NVQ). However there is now a Scottish credit framework and they are looking at awarding credit to qualifications other then SVQs/NVQs, which could be used for accumulation towards other qualifications, university access points etc.
     
     Despite there being no current system in place for formal recognition Scotland do work closely with NCFE and QCA.

If you still have any queries please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly course advisors who will be happy to provide you with sound, impartial and professional advice, with no strings attached. So, if you're ready to make a fresh start, why not contact us today?