How to become a SEN teaching assistant
As an SEN teaching assistant, you'll be helping break down barriers to education.
By supporting young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND), SEN assistants empower individuals who need that extra bit of help to thrive. Daily responsibilities vary role-to-role, but they will likely include:
- Supporting pupils one-to-one and in small groups
- Adapting learning activities/materials so they’re accessible
- Working with classroom teachers, SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), and other professionals to implement tailored Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.
- Creating an environment where children feel understood.
According to the National Careers Service, typical salaries range from around £19,000 for starters to £27,000 for experienced SEN teaching assistants, and typical working hours are 24 to 40 hours a week during term time.
It’s a rewarding career path that also offers an excellent work-life balance. To learn how to become a SEN teaching assistant, stay with Distance Learning Centre!
What qualifications do you need to be an SEN teaching assistant?
You may be surprised to learn that there’s no single universal entry qualification for becoming an SEN teaching assistant. Often, individual schools and employers set their own entry requirements, so it’s always worth checking the criteria on specific job vacancies.
However, the National Careers Service states that applicants will usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C) in English and maths*, or equivalent qualifications.
A university degree isn’t normally required, but you will need to pass an enhanced background check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), as this is a legal requirement for anyone working closely with children and vulnerable people.
If you want to demonstrate your commitment to working in education (and develop your knowledge), a Level 2 or 3 qualification in supporting teaching and learning can be an excellent way to improve your employability.
As you’re aiming for a SEN-specific role, undertaking a qualification that includes specialist SEN knowledge, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools, can be particularly valuable.
But it’s essential to understand that not every teaching assistant course is the exact same type of qualification. Many quick online courses are purely knowledge-based, meaning they only test educational theory.
Other highly regarded vocational qualifications (such as CACHE RQF certificates and diplomas) are competency-based, requiring students to have access to a school placement - either as paid staff or a volunteer.
What skills do SEN teaching assistants need?
As an SEN teaching assistant, you’ll need an understanding of how different needs can affect a pupil’s experience at school.
You’ll be working with pupils who may need additional time or a different approach to communication, so patience and sensitivity will go a long way in helping students who are struggling to engage with learning.
When situations become challenging, SEN teaching assistants will need to work well as part of a team, and, just as importantly, effective SEN support requires an understanding of how SEND can influence learning.
Developing specialised insight is where targeted, professional training makes all the difference.
Which course should you take to become an SEN teaching assistant?
The right course will depend on whether you already have experience in schools.
At Distance Learning Centre, we offer courses for complete beginners, plus learners who’re already working or volunteering in education and want to add a vocational qualification to their CV.
If you're new to teaching support
A theory-based introductory course is the ideal starting place for those who don’t currently have access to a school placement but want to build a solid foundation. These courses are designed to teach you the fundamentals of classroom support before you apply.
We recommend the Teaching Assistant – QLS Level 2 Course for absolute beginners (or the Supporting Teaching & Learning – CACHE Level 3 Award (RQF) Course if you’re looking for a more advanced, nationally recognised stepping stone).
Please note: Knowledge-based awards are fantastic for proving your understanding to prospective employers, but they don’t automatically qualify you for every hands-on SEN TA role.
If you already work or volunteer in a school
When you already have a school placement and want to specialise in supporting pupils with SEND, our Specialist Support for Teaching & Learning in Schools – CACHE Level 3 Diploma (RQF) Course is exceptional.
Our competence-based qualification requires learners to be working or volunteering in a school so that practical skills can be assessed.
Alongside core teaching-support topics, it covers areas especially useful for SEN roles, including:
- Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities
- Language and communication
- Positive behaviour
- Pupils with emotional, behavioural, social, sensory or physical needs
Don’t feel quite ready for the full specialist diploma? We also have the Supporting Teaching & Learning – CACHE Level 2 or Level 3 Certificates (RQF).
