The minimum age to apply to this special needs assistant course is 17 Years. All learners must have a good standard of English.

Currently, the Department of Education and Science stipulates that all those gaining full-time employment in schools must have at least 3 passes at Junior Certificate or equivalent.

SNA Level 5 Programme Syllabus – 5N1786

• History of Special Needs in Ireland
• The role of the Special Needs Assistant
• Medical Conditions
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Working as part of a Multidisciplinary Team
• Professionalism & Accountability
• Legislation
• Health & Safety

*Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.

Our Level Special Needs Assistant course is continuous assessment over the programme.

QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assistant / 5N1786

To achieve this award learners will be required to submit course work which will be graded accordingly.

You will be required to complete 20 hours of Special Needs Assisting work experience.

This work experience is essential as it will give you hands-on practical experience and enhance your overall learning experience.

You will be required to secure your own work placement.

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out work with children or vulnerable persons.

Students must complete the Garda Vetting process before commencing work placement.

Students who have spent more than 6 months living outside of Ireland will need to provide a copy of their Police Clearance Certification for all international addresses that they have lived at, before starting placement.

On this course you will:

• Explore in the role and responsibilities of the Special Needs Assistant.
• Examine the qualities and skills of an effective Special Needs Assistant.
• Examine relevant legislation in relation to disability Explore the rights of children with disabilities in relation to personal autonomy, participation and decision making.
• Use care routines in feeding, toileting and general hygiene.
• Maintain appropriate relationships with children’s parents, primary carers, teachers and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Work effectively with children who present with disabilities under the direction of the classroom teacher
• Assist children with disabilities in a range of activities.

Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in schools

Support roles in educational settings

Care and inclusion support roles