Special Needs Support Worker

Champion Inclusive Education and Empower Diverse Learners

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Our course equips you with the skills to support students with special educational needs and create inclusive learning environments.

Are you passionate about education and helping students with diverse needs reach their full potential? Do you have the patience and creativity to adapt teaching methods to suit individual learning styles? A career as a Special Needs Support Worker could be your perfect calling.

Think Employment offers comprehensive training to help you start your journey in this rewarding and essential educational role.

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Entry Requirements

What you'll be studying

Understanding behaviour that challenges
You’ll gain an understanding of how behaviour can be perceived as challenging. You’ll investigate the underlying issues that affect behaviour and the impact it can have on others.
You’ll learn how to use a person-centred approach to support autistic individuals.

You’ll learn how to use a person-centred approach to support autistic individuals.

You’ll learn about individuals’ behaviours in the context of autism. You’ll also look at how to support positive behaviour and help individuals to develop coping strategies. When Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is used in line with the PBS Framework, by well-trained staff in a person-centred way, it can (alongside other support) help some individuals to feel less anxious or distressed in certain situations.

You’ll learn about communication and social interaction in autistic individuals.

You’ll gain an understanding of sensory processing, perception and cognition in autistic individuals – including looking at hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. You’ll also learn how to the support the sensory needs of autistic individuals.

You’ll gain an understanding of the importance of reflection following an incident of behaviour that challenges.

You’ll gain an understanding of the importance of reflection following an incident of behaviour that challenges.

Career Progression

Special Educational Needs Worker Salary

Special Educational Needs Worker 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. 

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:

Actions to take to attain your ultimate career goals.

This plan is uniquely yours, designed to guide you from where you are now to where you want to be in your new career.

During your course:
ongoing support and guidance

We’re with you every step of the way:

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

After your course:
launching your new career

At Think Employment, your future success is always our priority. From the start, we focus on equipping you with the skills and confidence to thrive in your next role. By completing your course, you’ll be fully prepared to apply your knowledge, embrace new opportunities, and achieve your career aspirations.

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 seasoned 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.

Special Educational Needs Role Overview

Special Needs Support Workers support students with physical, learning, or behavioural difficulties in educational settings. They work alongside teachers to ensure that all students, especially those with additional needs, can fully engage in their education. This role is fundamental in creating truly inclusive learning environments and supporting the individual success of students with diverse needs.

Implement Learning Strategies
  • Assist in Executing individualised education plans
  • Adapt teaching methods to suit different learning styles
  • Support the use of assistive technology where necessary
  • Help prepare and organise learning materials​
  • Assist with classroom management and behaviour​
  • Support teachers in delivering lessons and activities​
  • Observe and record student progress
  • Provide feedback to teachers and parents​
  • Contribute to student assessments and reviews​
  • Encourage students to develop self-reliance skills​
  • Support students in setting and achieving personal goals​
  • Foster positive peer interactions and social inclusion​
  • Deliver tailored assistance to students with diverse learning needs​
  • Help students understand and complete tasks​
  • Offer encouragement and build student confidence​

Special Educational Needs Support Worker Skills and Qualities

Patience and understanding

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

Ability to notice subtle cues and changes in behaviour.

Innovative thinking to engage individuals and overcome challenges.

Clear, calm, and effective communication with individuals, families, and professionals

Flexibility to change approaches based on individual needs.

Genuine care and respect for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Aptitude for finding solutions to daily challenges.

Capacity to engage in various activities and provide physical support when needed.

Take The First Step

Embark on a rewarding career supporting diverse learners. Our Special Educational Needs 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.