Denise originally gained her first BA in (Primary) Education from the University of Greenwich. She went on to work in primary schools for eight years (as a teacher and as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator) before training to become an Educational Psychologist at University College London. She achieved an MSc in Educational Psychology and started working as a fully qualified Educational Psychologist in the London Borough of Lambeth. Next, she completed a Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology, and then soon after she returned to the University of Greenwich, this time as a senior lecturer.
At present, as a programme leader, senior lecturer and educational and child psychologist in private practice, Denise currently works in early years, primary and secondary school settings, as well as further and higher education and legal contexts. Denise told us, “I am passionate about helping children and young people to achieve their full potential and about inspiring the next generation of educational professionals.”
We asked Denise to tell us more about the Special Educational Needs Postgraduate Certificates currently offered. She explained; “The PGCert is designed for existing and aspiring educational professionals/SENCos who are interested in working with children and young people with SEND and gaining a professional qualification.” She continues; “In short, there are two pathways: One, the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination PGCert (a statutory requirement for newly appointed SENCos) is a quality assured programme - approved by the National Award for SEN Co-ordination - NASENCo). In addition to having a bachelor’s degree, you must have either QTS, QTLS or EYTS and support from your headteacher (or equivalent). And two, for the PGCert, you simply need a bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. All learners will learn through a combination of lectures, either face-to-face and/or online, individual tutorials and by working in small groups.” Denise also mentioned that “both programmes are delivered by highly skilled experts, some of whom currently practice in the field.”
