Learn weekly. Reflect in practice.
A 12-week assessed programme combining guided learning, reflective practice and feedback.
One curriculum. Four routes.
School staff, foster carers and independent practitioners complete the full assessed programme, with a context unit relevant to their setting. Activity and holiday providers follow a separate six-hour organisation route grounded in the same inclusive educational approach.
The full certification programme is 45 hours across 12 weeks, averaging 3 hours 45 minutes a week. The activity-provider route does not award individual practitioner certification or registration.
A 12-week assessed learning journey
The programme combines four shared webinar hours, one 15-minute small-group competency session, self-paced learning, knowledge checks and two anonymised practice records across 12 weeks.
Assessment and moderation must be completed before certification is awarded. After enrolment and successful payment, the learner portal will provide the detailed teaching timetable, submission deadlines and results date.
Certification is earned through practice
Complete the required learning, auto-marked knowledge checks, two practice records and the small-group competency session. Records are marked pass or not yet met, with feedback and resubmission. AI prepares a first pass, but a named human assessor confirms every outcome. The detailed rubric and teaching resources are private to enrolled learners.
Attendance alone does not award certification. Reasonable adjustments can be discussed before enrolment.
Two different professional steps
Successful assessment leads to awarded ANCHOR Practitioner Certification. This provider-issued professional development credential is not a public professional title, regulated qualification, clinical registration or public-register approval.
Titles are protected: see Professional standards.
Independent ANCHOR family work requires separate approval. Certification does not authorise you to deliver ANCHOR training or workshops.
Certification first. Registration only after a separate review.
The public register is an additional professional step after ANCHOR Practitioner Certification.
- Certification awarded
Complete full training
Pass the assessed programme and receive ANCHOR Practitioner Certification.
Choose the evidence route
Applicants with 12 months’ relevant experience provide evidence and two professional references. Those without qualifying experience may apply for ANCHOR supervision.
- Trainee route
Complete supervision if required
The £550 route includes six supervised one-hour sessions. Each participating family is charged the £35 trainee hourly fee.
Complete compliance checks
Submit the required Enhanced DBS evidence, paediatric first aid, Level 2 childcare skills or accepted equivalent, insurance and other required documents.
Apply to the register
ANCHOR reviews competence, references, suitability and documents before deciding whether to activate a listing.
Keep registration active
Registered practitioners pay annual membership, maintain their documents and attend mandatory CPD.
Paying for training or supervision does not guarantee registration, bookings or income.
Frequently asked questions
Enrolment opens October 2026. Live accounts and payments open on enrolment. Join the priority list and we confirm places in enrolment order.
SEND practitioner training and certification
What is ANCHOR Practitioner Certification?
A 12-week programme for adults supporting children and families, focused on sensory inclusion, reflective practice and consistent support across settings. Successful completion leads to awarded ANCHOR Practitioner Certification, a provider-issued professional development credential. It is not a public professional title, regulated qualification or permission to provide clinical treatment.
How much study time does the 12-week course need?
Allow 45 learning hours across 12 weeks, averaging 3 hours 45 minutes a week. The programme combines guided learning, four shared live webinar hours, a 15-minute small-group competency conversation, reflective practice and assessment. The detailed timetable, submission deadlines and results date are provided after enrolment and successful payment.
Is the SEND training online and can I fit it around work?
The programme combines self-directed learning with scheduled live online sessions. It runs in a fixed cohort, rather than being entirely self-paced. Before paying, confirm that you can protect the stated weekly study time and meet the live-attendance requirement. The detailed timetable is provided after enrolment and successful payment; discuss access needs and reasonable adjustments with ANCHOR before enrolling.
What must I complete to receive certification?
Complete the required learning, knowledge checks, practice records, final reflection and competency conversation to the required standard. Attendance or payment alone does not award certification. Assessment materials and the framework remain private to authorised learners.
What if I fall behind or need an extension?
The course includes catch-up time. Ordinary extension requests can be made from two working days before the deadline until the deadline. Short-term illness requests can be made from two working days before to two working days after it for a 14-working-day extension. Serious circumstances have a separate evidence-reviewed route. Read the extension page before requesting support.
Does the certificate expire if I do not join the register immediately?
Titles are protected: see Professional standards.
Can I teach ANCHOR workshops after completing the course?
No. Certification does not grant a licence to reproduce the framework, share protected materials, train others or deliver ANCHOR parent workshops. Separate facilitator approval and written permission are required.
Updated 15 September 2026. Your final offer and booking terms confirm the agreed service. Ask ANCHOR a question.