QQI Level 5 and 6 Special Needs Assisting Courses
Complete a QQI certified SNA course this term, and set out on a rewarding career as a special needs assistant.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) supports teachers in meeting the care requirements of children who present with special educational needs, arising from a disability. More than 34,000 students in Ireland are currently supported by an SNA and in May 2018, Education Minister Richard Bruton TD announced the provision of 800 additional Special Needs Assistants for the 2018-19 school year. With the government committed to ensuring that children with special educational needs are given every opportunity to fulfil their potential, and additional roles regularly being announced, there's never been a better time to pursue a career as an SNA.
While Junior Certificate grade D or higher in English, Maths and Irish is all that are required to work as an SNA, in reality, those seeking employment in the area will have completed a specific qualification in Special Needs Assisting. The QQI Level 5 and Level 6 SNA component modules are fast becoming a prerequisite for individuals providing support to those with special educational needs, and are the predominant SNA certifications available in Ireland. The Children with Additional Needs module (QQI Level 5, 5N2396) is also highly recommended for those currently working, or looking to work in the sector.
QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)
The level 5 component module is designed to equip the learner with the skills, knowledge and competence in the principles and practices underpinning the role of the SNA. Upon completion, learners will be capable of working effectively under direction in an SNA role.
During the course, participants will explore and examine: the role and responsibilities of an SNA; the skills and qualities required to carry out the role effectively; relevant disability legislation; the rights of children with disabilities; how to relate appropriately with children with additional needs, their parents, teachers and primary carers; how to assist children with disabilities in a range of activities.
Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (6M1957)
The purpose of the level 6 award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the theory and practice underpinning the role of the special needs assistant. Upon completion of this component module, the learner will be able to assist in the provision of education and care to those who present with special educational needs.
By the end of the course, learners will have gained a deeper understanding of the role of an SNA and understand the relevant theories, skills and processes required for curriculum implementation. They will have examined and assessed the provision of education in Ireland for individuals who present with special educational needs. Interventions and behaviour management techniques, individual education plans, stressors in the workplace, and personal reflection in relation to individual belief systems are also covered.
Learners will be required to complete a 30 hour placement as part of each component module.
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While Junior Certificate grade D or higher in English, Maths and Irish is all that are required to work as an SNA, in reality, those seeking employment in the area will have completed a specific qualification in Special Needs Assisting. The QQI Level 5 and Level 6 SNA component modules are fast becoming a prerequisite for individuals providing support to those with special educational needs, and are the predominant SNA certifications available in Ireland. The Children with Additional Needs module (QQI Level 5, 5N2396) is also highly recommended for those currently working, or looking to work in the sector.
QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)
The level 5 component module is designed to equip the learner with the skills, knowledge and competence in the principles and practices underpinning the role of the SNA. Upon completion, learners will be capable of working effectively under direction in an SNA role.
During the course, participants will explore and examine: the role and responsibilities of an SNA; the skills and qualities required to carry out the role effectively; relevant disability legislation; the rights of children with disabilities; how to relate appropriately with children with additional needs, their parents, teachers and primary carers; how to assist children with disabilities in a range of activities.
Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (6M1957)
The purpose of the level 6 award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the theory and practice underpinning the role of the special needs assistant. Upon completion of this component module, the learner will be able to assist in the provision of education and care to those who present with special educational needs.
By the end of the course, learners will have gained a deeper understanding of the role of an SNA and understand the relevant theories, skills and processes required for curriculum implementation. They will have examined and assessed the provision of education in Ireland for individuals who present with special educational needs. Interventions and behaviour management techniques, individual education plans, stressors in the workplace, and personal reflection in relation to individual belief systems are also covered.
Learners will be required to complete a 30 hour placement as part of each component module.
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Where to find Special Needs Assisting (SNA) courses
If you're interested in taking your first steps to becoming a Special Needs Assistant, then check out the QQI certified SNA courses running at the following schools in Meath, Dublin, Cork, Kildare and Wexford:
QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)
Ashbourne Community School, Ashbourne, Co Meath • Boyne CS, Trim, Co Meath • Cabinteely Community School, Dublin 18 • Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip, Co Kildare • Coolmine Community School, Dublin 15 • Donahies Community School, Dublin 13 • Gorey Community School, Gorey, Co Wexford • Hartstown Community School, Dublin 15 • Malahide Community School, Co Dublin • O'Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Co Louth • Palmerstown Community School, Dublin 20 • Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 • Saint Mary's College, Naas, Co Kildare • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare
Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (6M1957)
Ashbourne Community School, Ashbourne, Co Meath • Boyne CS, Trim, Co Meath • Cabinteely Community School, Dublin 18 • Donahies Community School, Dublin 13 • Hartstown Community School, Dublin 15 • Malahide Community School, Co Dublin • O'Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Co Louth • Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 • Saint Mary's College, Naas, Co Kildare • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare
Some NACED schools also offer the full Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education (5M2009) and Level 6 Supervision in Childcare (6M2007) courses.
Courses are added at other schools in our network from time to time. Check out links to your local schools on our homepage for the most up-to-date course lists.
QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)
Ashbourne Community School, Ashbourne, Co Meath • Boyne CS, Trim, Co Meath • Cabinteely Community School, Dublin 18 • Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip, Co Kildare • Coolmine Community School, Dublin 15 • Donahies Community School, Dublin 13 • Gorey Community School, Gorey, Co Wexford • Hartstown Community School, Dublin 15 • Malahide Community School, Co Dublin • O'Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Co Louth • Palmerstown Community School, Dublin 20 • Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 • Saint Mary's College, Naas, Co Kildare • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare
Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (6M1957)
Ashbourne Community School, Ashbourne, Co Meath • Boyne CS, Trim, Co Meath • Cabinteely Community School, Dublin 18 • Donahies Community School, Dublin 13 • Hartstown Community School, Dublin 15 • Malahide Community School, Co Dublin • O'Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Co Louth • Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 • Saint Mary's College, Naas, Co Kildare • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare
Some NACED schools also offer the full Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education (5M2009) and Level 6 Supervision in Childcare (6M2007) courses.
Courses are added at other schools in our network from time to time. Check out links to your local schools on our homepage for the most up-to-date course lists.
