Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5 Flexible Learning

Are you interested in Special Needs Assistant? This part time course is suited to anyone who has an interest in Special Needs Education, whether to pursue it as a career or use the knowledge for personal or family reasons. Portobello Institute’s QQI Level 5 Minor Award Special Needs Assisting is a qualification that will allow you to work as a special needs assistant in schools, hospitals and care homes. During this 3-month course you will acquire not only knowledge but empathy and understanding crucial to your future role as support to persons needing assistance in their learning. This is a flexible learning course with online learning and supported weekend seminars allowing you to fit learning around your busy working and family life. You will also be required to complete 20 hours of work experience enabling you to get practical experience to compliment your studies. These factors, together with the one to one tutorial support, offer you a course that is accessible, affordable and achievable.

Special offer applies when booking Level 5 & 6 together with new low price of €1150. A saving of €95.  

What is the role of a Special Needs Assistance?

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.

Why should I study this course?

Portobello Institute’s QQI level 5 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting gives you the opportunity to learn from a range of experts all of whom are passionate about the field of special needs education. They bring their insight, depth of experience and passion for teaching to this course. Portobello Institute’s Special need course will learn to support and understand the process by which a child with learning, physical or behavioural needs learns. This qualification will allow you to work alongside a in a school as well as care settings.

What will I learn during this QQI Level 5 Minor Award Special Needs Assisting?

During this course, 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 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.

What is Flexible Delivery?

This QQI qualification n Special Needs Assiting has been designed for delivery by flexible learning. It is very suited to you if you are working full-time with limited spare time, yet you want to achieve your qualification. This course is delivered over 3 months, with supported seminars held during scheduled weekends. The content for this programme is accessed through the online learning platform. Everything required to complete this course is contained on this easy to navigate and use platform. Part of the first workshop is a tutorial on how to use the online platform and find information needed.

Who will I learn from?

The programme management and tutoring team on course have been carefully selected on the basis of their qualifications and wealth of practical experience in the sector and education. Each member of our tutoring team is passionate about the effects a special needs assistant has on a child’s development and are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you.

Who will recognise this qualification?

Upon completing this course, you will hold a QQI Level 5 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting enabling you to work as an SNA. This course is an essential introduction to the role of an SNA and theories in special needs education that will prepare you for QQI Level 6 Minor award in special needs assisting should you wish to further your studies.