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Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant apprenticeships

Teaching and education

Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant apprenticeships - where to start

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 and childcare 
    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.

    You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course or T Level.

    Apprenticeship
    Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

    • Level 2 early years practitioner 
    • Level 3 early years educator 
    • Level 3 teaching assistant
    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 a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. 

    Volunteering

    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. 

    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.

    Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant apprenticeships - 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 
    • 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
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

    Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant apprenticeships - 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 - Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant apprenticeships

    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.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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