Course Description

Special Needs Assisting QQI Level 6 in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal





Start your career as a Special Needs Assistant with Forus Training’s Level 6 Special Needs Assisting course. This is a classroom course that includes online learning. Your classroom sessions will be hosted by your trainer. Between these, you’ll complete the course content on our LMS (here’s a preview!). Please see the course dates and times below:
  • Location: Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
  • Wednesday, 22nd April 6.30pm to 9.30pm
  • Wednesday, 06th May 6.30pm to 9.30pm
  • Wednesday, 20th May 6.30pm to 9.30pm
  • Wednesday, 3rd June 6.30pm to 9.30pm
 
This 8 week course will equip you with the knowledge, skill and competence in the theory and practice underpinning the education and care of those who present with special educational needs to enable the learner to assist in the provision of this education and care.
 
This course is also available as an online, self-paced option which gives you more flexibility over your learning. Click here for more information!
 

Throughout this course, you will…

 

  • Evaluate the provision of education for people with special educational needs with reference to current legislation,
  • Examine relevant theories, skills and processes relevant to curriculum implementation,
  • Explore the differences between integration and inclusion,
  • Organise learning opportunities in order to promote independence and responsibility,
  • Analyse skills that can be used to aid the teacher in the administration of the national curriculum,
  • Provide assistance in the provision of education and care for individuals that present with special educational needs,
  • Reflect on own attitudes, values, beliefs and assumptions in relation to working with and on behalf of people who present with disabilities.

 


Assessment

The course is assessed in the following ways:

  • Project 50%
  • Skills Demonstration 50%

 


Why Forus Training?

At Forus Training, we have many different supports available for your learning:

  • Learners will meet their trainer at the classroom sessions. The trainer is there to help you with the course content and assessment pieces. They’ll share their own experiences with you and bring the content to life,
  • Learners have access to a Learning Management System (LMS). This includes all the course content along with interactive quizzes to test your knowledge and reinforce learning,
  • Our Learner Pack includes additional content and forms to support further learning,
  • Our trainers are skilled and experienced in making sessions engaging and interactive,
  • Other course providers tend to not offer continued support to their learners. Our trainers open numerous doors to our learners. These include opportunities for discussion and feedback, and opportunities to bring up areas that need further assistance or support. They also offer additional education and learning activities, assessment support, opportunities to submit drafts, and meetings before or after class to answer queries that cannot be covered in the session.

 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Do I need to have a Level 5 to start Level 6?
    If you have a Level 5 completed, you can go straight to Level 6. Ideally you will also have experience with children or adults who have additional needs.
    Note: Leaving Cert is equivalent to a Level 5. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the criteria please call us to discuss your previous experiences.
  • How long is the course?
    The course is 10 weeks long from start to finish. You will submit your course assignments 10 weeks after the first classroom session.
  • What qualifications do I need to work as a SNA?
    The minimum qualification necessary for appointment as a Special Need Assistant is an award of Grade D (or pass) in Irish, English and Mathematics in the Intermediate Certificate/Junior Certificate or the Day Vocational Certificate Examination or in an examination of equivalent standard. Most applicants for the job role will have a QQI Special Needs Assisting qualification at level 6 when interviewing for an SNA role in primary /secondary school.
  • Do I need to complete work placement?
    Learners are strongly recommended to undertake a practical, supervised work placement of a minimum of 20 hours throughout the duration of the programme, which is to 4 to 6 hours per week. Note: While work placement is not a mandatory requirement to complete this module, please be aware that not completing work experience in a primary or secondary school setting may put you at a disadvantage during the interview.
  • How will the online part of this course work?
    Here is a YouTube video on how you will access your course online.
Still not sure?

 

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The Special Needs Assisting QQI Level 6 in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal course at Forus Training is listed in Courses.ie's national courses finder.
Training ProviderForus Training
Course LocationLetterkenny, Donegal
Course TypeBlended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online
Course QualificationLevel 6 Higher Certificate
Awarding BodyQQI
Awarding Body DetailsSpecial Needs Assisting
Course Start Date22nd April 2026
Course End Date17th June 2026
Course Duration8 weeks
Course TimeThe course is done in a classroom setting but learners also have access to online content which they study in their own time.
Course Fee480
Entry RequirementsThis course is open to anyone interested in doing it provided you fulfil some or one of the following criteria:

Have completed the Leaving Certificate, and/or
You may also be eligible if you have relevant life and work experience, in this case you may need to speak to the tutor and discuss your previous work experience or furnish the tutor with a CV and work references.
Career PathThis course leads to a level 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students who successfully complete this programme may use their credits towards completing a higher level of study in the area of Special Needs Assisting.

Students who successfully complete this Major Award can also use the Certificate as the basis for entry into selected courses in Third Level Colleges and Universities.
Course Code6N1957
For more information about Forus Training, please visit our College page on Courses.ie by clicking here.

Course Provider

Forus Training



Forus Training, Castle House, Castle Street, Mullingar, Westmeath, Republic of Ireland. Eircode: N91 Y896

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