Special Educational Needs (sen) Teaching Assistant

Typical Salary

£12,577 To £23,000

Typical Hours

30 to 40 term time

evenings occasionally

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 / University

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 and childcare

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

Level 2 Early years practitioner
Level 3 Early years educator
Level 3 Teaching assistant

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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
to be flexible and open to change
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
the ability to understand people’s reactions
active listening skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

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 & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

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.

Tips & 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.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults