SEN Classroom Assistant Course
Developing skills to support children and individuals with autism
This Level 2 programme equips learners with essential knowledge to work effectively with children, young people, and adults. You’ll explore positive communication methods, identify developmental stages and concerns, and gain insight into safeguarding, equality, and health and safety legislation. With a focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN), the course delves into understanding autism, person-centred approaches, and supporting positive behaviour. No classroom experience is required, and assessments are integrated into the course—no final exam stress! Upon completion, you’ll earn the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism and the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges.
Course Description
This programme has been designed for learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism in a school or college environment. The Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges has been combined to give learners the underpinning knowledge needed to work with and support children and young people in an educational setting. It can apply to the many varied roles that full and part time support staff may fulfil, including administrative roles, site support roles, technical roles, and volunteers, as well as roles that work directly with children and young people in the learning environment.
Our resources will help you gain a better understanding of the variety of roles you could be playing in a school or college, from administration to site support. Over the duration of this course, learners will improve their knowledge of how to effectively communicate with and develop professional relationships with children, young people, and adults, with an entire unit focused on positive communication methods for individuals with autism. You will also look at identifying the stages of development in children and young people and how to spot any signs of developmental concerns. Learners will also gain insight into health and safety legislation, the importance of safeguarding and child welfare, and equality, diversity, and inclusion in work with children and young people.
As an SEN (Special Educational Needs) focused course, learners will develop an understanding of autism and the principles of supporting individuals with autism – covering the person-centred approach, how to support positive behaviour, and how individuals with autism can be supported to live healthy and fulfilled lives.
This Level 2 programme is a knowledge-based course, so classroom experience isn’t necessary to complete the qualifications. Assessments are integrated into the programme, so there’s no need to worry about the stress of a final exam. On completion of this course, you will receive the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism and the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges.
Worried about distance? Our courses are conducted 100% online with access to online learning content, webinars, and one-on-one support from our tutors. Study entirely online, fitting your coursework around your schedule and commitments.
What you'll be studying
Understand Schools and Colleges as Organisations
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Know the different types of schools and colleges in the education sector.
- Understand the organisation of schools and colleges in terms of roles and responsibilities.
- Understand how schools and colleges uphold their aims and values.
- Know about the range and purpose of school and college policies and procedures.
Understand Children and Young People’s Development
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand significant stages of development for children and young people from birth to 19 years of age.
- Understand the kinds of influences that affect children and young people’s development.
- Understand the potential effects of transitions on children and young people’s development.
Understand Communication and Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to develop professional relationships with children and young people.
- Understand how to communicate with children and young people.
- Understand how to develop professional relationships with adults.
Understand Children and Young People’s Health and Safety
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Know the legislative and policy framework for health and safety within a learning environment.
- Recognise and understand how to manage risks to children and young people’s health, safety, and security.
- Know how to support children and young people in relation to risk management.
Safeguarding Children and Young People
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Know about safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
- Understand actions to take when children and young people are ill or injured, including emergency procedures.
- Understand child protection procedures.
- Know about current policies and procedures for confidentiality and sharing information, including data protection.
Understand Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the importance of promoting equality and diversity in a learning environment.
- Understand how to promote anti-discriminatory practice with children and young people.
- Understand how to use inclusive practices in work with children and young people.
Introduction to Autism
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand what is meant by ‘autism’.
- Know theories that relate to autism.
- Know how autism is diagnosed.
- Understand the characteristics that may be present in individuals with autism.
- Know about conditions that commonly co-occur with autism.
- Understand common misconceptions surrounding autism.
Using a Person-Centred Approach to Support Individuals with Autism
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Know how legislation and guidance underpins support for individuals with autism.
- Understand how to support individuals with autism using a person-centred approach.
Communication and Social Interaction in Individuals with Autism
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand speech, language, and communication in individuals with autism.
- Understand how social interaction may differ in individuals with autism.
- Know strategies that are used to support communication and social interaction for individuals with autism.
Sensory Processing, Perception, and Cognition in Individuals with Autism
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how individuals with autism process sensory information.
- Know how to recognise and support sensory needs.
- Understand the cognitive difference individuals with autism may have in processing information.
Supporting Positive Behaviour in Individuals with Autism
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand behaviour within the context of autism.
- Know how to support positive behaviour.
- Understand how to support individuals to develop coping strategies.
Supporting Individuals with Autism to Live Healthy and Fulfilled Lives
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the experience of living with autism.
- Know how to support individuals to maintain their personal safety.
- Understand the purpose of positive risk taking.
- Know how to support individuals with transitions and life events.
- Know how to support individuals to access services and facilities.
- Know how to support individuals with employment.
Career Progression
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) specialising in SEN
- SEN Coordinator (with additional qualifications)
- Focus on specific areas like autism support or speech therapy
- Potential pathway to SEN teaching or educational psychology
- Opportunities in specialist SEN schools or units
SEN Classroom Assistant Salary
Why Choose Think Employment?
Personalised Learning Journey
Experience a tailored curriculum designed to develop practical skills, explore real-world scenarios, and encourage reflective learning—preparing you for real workplace challenges.
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Study anytime, anywhere, with 24/7 access to our e-learning platform. Balance learning with work or family, progressing at your pace for complete flexibility
Expert Mentorship
Receive expert guidance from experienced adult education professionals who provide personalised feedback and help you bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Comprehensive Careers Guidance
Our career advisors support you with CV writing, interview preparation, and portfolio building, helping you excel in your future job roles.
SEN Classroom Assistant Role Overview
SEN Classroom Assistants work with students who have special educational needs, providing tailored support to ensure they can access the curriculum and thrive in their educational environment. This role is vital in creating truly inclusive classrooms and supporting the individual success of students with diverse needs.
Provide One-to-One and Small Group Support
- Deliver tailored assistance based on individual education plans
- Adapt teaching methods to suit different learning styles and needs
- Support students in accessing the curriculum and classroom activities
Collaborate with Teachers and Specialists
- Participate in planning meetings and contribute to student assessments
- Share observations and insights about student progress
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive support
Implement Individualised Learning Plans
- Assist in executing strategies developed by teachers and SEN coordinators
- Monitor and record student progress towards individual goals
- Provide feedback to inform plan adjustments
Support Students with Various Special Needs
- Assist students with conditions such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and physical disabilities
- Implement specific interventions and support strategies
- Help students develop independence and life skills
Adapt Learning Materials
- Modify classroom resources to meet individual student needs
- Create visual aids, sensory materials, or alternative formats of information
- Assist with the use of assistive technology
SEN Teaching Assistant Skills and Qualities
Excellent communication
Patience and adaptability
Ability to remain calm and flexible in diverse situations.
Problem-solving abilities
Capacity to notice subtle cues and changes in student behaviour.
Strong observation skills
Clear and effective communication with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Empathy and understanding
Genuine care and respect for students with diverse needs.
Resilience
Emotional strength to work in potentially challenging situations.
Observational skills
Capacity to notice subtle changes in behaviour or mood.
Organisational skills
Manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively
Entry Requirements
Learners should be aged 16 and over, but otherwise, there are no specific entry requirements for this programme.
Learners must have access to a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. (Computer/laptop recommended).
Level 2 equivalent in English is advantageous but not a necessity.
Is this course suitable for me?
This qualification is aimed at a range of learners who are thinking of working in a school or college setting, particularly within a teaching assistant role. As this course heavily focuses on Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), it would be especially useful for those looking for SEN based positions. This course is suitable for most learners, including young people, mature learners, learners with special educational needs, or where English is an additional language.
Take The First Step
Embark on a rewarding career supporting diverse learners. Our SEN Classroom Assistant course equips you with the specialised skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a significant difference in the lives of students with special educational needs.
Join Think Employment and become a champion for inclusive education, helping every student reach their full potential.