Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant
Special needs classroom assistant, special needs learning support assistant
Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants support teachers to help children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Salary range: £12,577 to £23,000
How to become a special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
College
You can do a college qualification to help you get started, for example:
- Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Early Years Educator
- T level in Education
You may be able to get a placement working with children with special educational needs while doing your course.
Many people get qualifications or experience working with children in mainstream schools, then move into working with children with special educational needs.
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
More information
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through:
- a teaching assistant advanced apprenticeship
- an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in childcare
- an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in supporting teaching and learning in schools
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More information
Volunteering and experience
You could get experience by volunteering in a local school or with a community organisation. This can sometimes lead to paid work or a chance to get relevant qualifications.
Direct application
You can apply for special needs teaching assistant jobs if you have experience of working with children with disabilities or learning difficulties.
Each school sets its own entry requirements. Check job vacancies with schools, local authorities and academy trusts to find out what schools want.
More information
Career tips
It’ll help if you have some relevant skills like communication methods including British Sign Language or Makaton. or have some understanding of the needs of pupils with disabilities or conditions like sensory impairments or autism.
The National Association for Special Educational Needs produces useful guides and runs training courses and events.
Professional and industry bodies
You could become a member of National Association for Special Educational Needs for professional development.
Further information
You can get more advice about working in special needs education through Mencap, the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Skills for Schools.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to enjoy working with other people
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- knowledge of psychology
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you may:
- prepare learning materials under the supervision of the teacher
- work inside or outside the classroom with individuals or groups
- adapt support according to needs
- look after children’s physical, social and emotional welfare
- create a stimulating environment
- give information and help to teachers
- keep records and attend review meetings
Working environment
You could work at a pupil referral unit, at a special needs school or at a school.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression
Your school will give you access to specific training, like British Sign Language and Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) courses.
They may also provide training on conditions like dyslexia or autism.
With experience, you may take a course to become a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA).
With further study you could become a fully qualified special educational needs or mainstream teacher.