Becoming a special needs assistant is a big decision for many people, it is a career that allows you to help other people, fulfil your potential and follow your passion.
SNAs have many career opportunities from working in schools with children of all ages to adults in care homes and beyond.
This is an important and valuable role that has a huge impact on many lives.
You can work as an SNA with a level 5 qualification from Portobello Institute. Our QQI Level 5 and 6 SNA courses give you the opportunity to achieve a recognised qualification.
You will acquire the knowledge, empathy, and understanding crucial to your future role as support to persons needing assistance with their learning.
Special needs assistants play an important role in supporting those with learning, physical or behavioural difficulties.
The role of an SNA in the classroom involves assisting the teacher to support students with special educational needs who may also have significant care needs.
Through education, knowledge and understanding an SNA can ensure that a child with special needs experiences a positive learning experience developing their confidence and independence.
Whether you are already working in special needs education, considering a change of profession, or want to further your knowledge for personal or family reasons, Portobello Institute is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and fulfil your potential.
The level 6 course provides you with a greater depth of knowledge on the role of an SNA.
You will learn about development and learning in children with special needs and about the role of an SNA.
You will learn about child development and behaviour theories and how a range of activities can promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual development in children with learning, physical and behavioural disabilities.
You will learn how to implement Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) and individual behaviour Plans (IBP’s) and introduce exercises that teach the child to look after themselves and their property which ultimately encourages independence, respect, self-esteem and responsibility.
You will develop the capacity to work and communicate effectively with parents, families, colleagues and other professionals to safeguard, support and promote children’s learning, development and well-being.
During this programme you will cover the following topics:
Understanding Education, Health and Safety, Teach methodologies, Educational Philosophy and Practice.
Literacy: Identifying the conditions for learning language and how to implement these according to learning programmes.
Mathematics: Learning skills to support the teaching of mathematics and to devise strategies to assess mathematical ability.
Observations: Methods and techniques for assessing, planning and evaluating.
According to our SNA tutor Clare Bowman, “I have been on a couple of panels where SNAs are being hired and the one thing I would say is that principals are impressed by the Level 6. I definitely think it makes an applicant stand out.”
By adding the Level 6 award to your CV gives you a greater understanding of the competencies required to work as an SNA.
Choosing a course that will lead you to your career of choice is a significant decision.
Understanding the delivery modes, supports available, career opportunities and further study options are all key considerations when making your choice.
Our course adviser team are experts in the courses Portobello offers, the employment prospects and possible progression routes to other programmes – they will guide you through the detail and support you with any queries you may have.
It is important you make the right choice for you and choose the Institute and course that will best suit your needs.
Apply online now or speak to our SNA admissions expert George Boylan for more information.
