SEN Teaching Assistant Course

Support children with special educational needs in the classroom

Are you drawn to supporting children with unique learning needs? Do you have a passion for making education accessible to all? A career as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant could be your perfect calling. Think Employment offers specialised training to prepare you for this crucial role in inclusive education.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

SEN Teaching Assistant Salary

SEN Teaching Assistant Salary

Your Learning Journey: Comprehensive Support At Every Step

We’re committed to your success throughout your learning journey at Think Employment. We provide comprehensive support tailored to your unique needs and aspirations, ensuring you have the guidance and resources to thrive in your new career as a Teaching Assistant.

Before You Begin:
Finding Your Perfect Path

Flexible Study Options

We understand that life can be busy. We offer part-time and full-time study options to fit your schedule and commitments.

Personalised Assessment

To ensure you’re on the right track, you’ll complete a questionnaire and take maths and English assessments. This helps us understand your current skills and identify the best course for you.

One-on-One Success Coach Interview
If you’re eligible, you’ll have a personal interview with one of our dedicated Success Coaches. They’ll discuss your experiences, current situation, and future goals, helping to craft a personalised Career Action Plan just for you.

Your Personalised
Career Action Plan

Our Success Coaches work with you to create a roadmap for your future:

Short-term Goals:
Immediate steps to kickstart your learning journey.

Medium-term Goals:
Milestones to achieve during your course.

Long-term Aspirations:
Your ultimate career goals as a Teaching Assistant.

This plan is uniquely yours, designed to guide you from where you are now to where you want to be in the education sector.

Ongoing Guidance
and Support

We’re with you every step of the way:

Regular Check-ins:
Benefit from mid-course and end-course reviews with your Success Coach, ensuring you’re on track and addressing any challenges.

Employment Coach Support:
We provide ongoing employment support to help eligible learners transition smoothly into their new Teaching Assistant role.

Launching Your
Teaching Assistant Career

Our support doesn’t end when your course does:

Extended Employment Support

We offer six months of post-course employment support for Skills Bootcamp learners.

Our Business Development Managers act as your recruitment agents, connecting you with schools and educational institutions looking for skilled Teaching Assistants like you.

Why Choose Think Employment?

We’re committed to your success. We provide comprehensive education and employment support tailored to your unique needs and aspirations, ensuring you have the guidance and resources to thrive in your new career.

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.

Flexible Online Study Options

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 Teaching Assistant Role Overview

SEN Teaching 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
  • 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
  • Assist in executing strategies developed by teachers and SEN coordinators
  • Monitor and record student progress towards individual goals
  • Provide feedback to inform plan adjustments
  • 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
  • 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

Teaching Assistant Key Responsibilities

Support Teachers in Lesson Delivery
  • Assist with classroom management and organisation
  • Help prepare and set up learning materials and activities
  • Support the implementation of lesson plans
  • Work with individual students or small groups on specific tasks
  • Offer additional explanation or guidance on lesson content
  • Support students with different abilities and learning styles
  • Observe and record student progress
  • Provide feedback to teachers on student performance
  • Contribute to student assessments and reviews
  • Implement behaviour management strategies
  • Encourage positive interactions between students
  • Support the creation of a respectful learning environment

Assist students with special educational needs or disabilities

Help implement individual education plans

Adapt activities to ensure all students can participate

SEN Teaching Assistant Skills and Qualities

Excellent communication
Clear and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families.

Ability to remain calm and flexible in diverse situations.

Capacity to notice subtle cues and changes in student behaviour.

Clear and effective communication with clients, families, and healthcare professionals​.

Genuine care and respect for students with diverse needs.

Emotional strength to work in potentially challenging situations.

Capacity to notice subtle changes in behaviour or mood​.

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 Teaching 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.

Limited free spaces available

Apply now to find out if you’re eligible to complete this course for free.

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Pay Monthly £153.00
Pay in Full£899.00

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Pay Monthly £153.00

Pay in Full£899.00