This one-year course provides comprehensive training for aspiring Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to work effectively within primary, secondary, and specialist school environments. Students develop the professional skills necessary to support children’s learning and development while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and equitable classroom experience. By exploring child development and the specific responsibilities of the SNA role, learners gain the ability to communicate and collaborate professionally with families and healthcare colleagues. 

Unlock your potential to support and guide students with additional educational needs through this comprehensive course. Our curriculum equips you with the expertise to excel as a special needs assistant (SNA) in educational environments.

This program offers a deep understanding of child and adolescent behavior and development, along with a thorough knowledge of special educational needs. You'll gain practical skills in care provision, health and safety at work, and effective communication with students, educators, and families.

Special Needs Assistant is a purposely designed course to prepare you for work as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in a variety of educational contexts, and community care settings.

This course explores a wide range of knowledge and practical skills attributes that support a productive career in this highly rewarding field. You will be able to prepare for a career as a Special Needs Assistants in primary and secondary school classrooms or special schools, assisting children with everyday practical tasks.

This one-year Special Needs Assistant course will provide students with the knowledge, skills and qualifications necessary to pursue a career in the area of Special Needs Assisting. Students will receive training in the skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of the special needs assistant in different settings. This is a full-time one-year course and runs from September to May.

This Special Needs Assistant programme and develop the core skills and competencies to support people with a range of additional needs in an inclusive and equitable manner. Graduates from this programme work in a range of settings, such as primary and post-primary education and well-case community and care homes. The purpose of this award is to develop the core skills and competencies needed to support people with a range of additional needs in an inclusive and equitable manner.

The purpose of this course is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the practices and principles underpinning the role of a Special Needs Assistant to enable the learner to work effectively under direction in a special needs capacity.

This course explores a wide range of knowledge and practical skills that support a productive career. You will be able to prepare for a career as a Special Needs Assistant in primary and secondary school classrooms or special schools, supporting children with everyday practical tasks.

This course can provide you with access directly to employment, and it also serves as a platform for further study in applied social studies, social care, and early childhood care and education.

The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently and under supervision applying best practice to enable individuals with an intellectual disability to reach their potential and live the lives of their choice and or to progress to further and or higher education and or training.

The Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5 programme at Portobello Institute is an intensive short course for those starting their pathway into special needs assisting.

Delivered through online interactive lectures, it introduces the role of the special needs assistant (SNA) and the practical knowledge needed to support children and young people with additional needs.

The Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 6 programme is an intensive short course for those who already hold a Level 5 SNA qualification or equivalent and want to advance their knowledge, skills, and practical experience to progress their careers.

At Level 6, students explore child development and behaviour theories, inclusive practice, communication, legislation, and the role of the SNA in supporting children with learning, physical, and behavioural disabilities.

The Special Needs Assistant – Level 5 & Level 6 Booking Package at Portobello Institute combines both QQI Minor Awards into one structured pathway for those who want to begin or progress a career in special needs assisting.

Delivered through online interactive lectures, the package allows students to complete the QQI Level 5 and QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting programmes through an intensive two-week learning route.

Students of this course will acquire the knowledge, empathy, and understanding crucial to the role of a Special Needs Assistant.

This course is designed to prepare and equip candidates with the skills and knowledge to work as Special Needs Assistants/Personal Assistants in various education settings and day care centres. The course is designed for those with a genuine interest in working with children, young people and persons with additional needs.

To provide students with the skills, knowledge and competence required to pursue a career working with people with Special Needs. The course will also give students an insight into the range of employment opportunities in the sector. Work Experience takes place One Day per week for the duration of the course with a two week Block in January/February.

This course is aimed at those seeking work under supervision within community health care, support services, health sector, as well as, in formal education settings or to progress to further or higher education and training. You will be provided with the knowledge, skill and competence to work with children and their families, maintaining a healthy and safe environment and supporting the development of the child through play and a variety of other activities.

The aim of this programme is to enable the learner acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to engage with the education and training industry and environment gaining an appreciation of underpinning philosophies and requirements, to consider professional practice and development opportunities, and or to progress to further or higher education and training.

The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence, to design, promote and implement best practice in inclusive education in a range of contexts and settings and or to progress to higher education and training.

Are you looking to work as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in primary or post-primary schools, or other care settings? The one-year QQI Level 5 course in Intellectual Disability Practice 5M1761 can help you gain the knowledge and skills required for this role. Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to progress to the QQI Level 6 course in Advanced Training in Special Needs Assisting and Inclusion.