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Classroom Support

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) Assistant

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) Assistant works in schools to help ensure that pupils with special educational needs (SEN) receive the support they require. This role involves working closely with the SENCo, teachers, and parents to help identify students who need extra help, and to assist in creating and delivering tailored support plans. Duties can include working one-to-one with pupils, preparing resources, keeping records, and helping to monitor progress. SENCo Assistants play a key role in making sure that all children, regardless of their needs, can access education and succeed in school. The role is both challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in young people's lives.

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) Assistant

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

SENCo Assistants in the UK typically earn between £19,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Availability

There are over 20,000 teaching assistant positions in England, many with a focus on special educational needs.

Growth in SEN Roles

The number of pupils with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans increased by 10 percent in 2023, leading to greater demand for SEN support staff.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Autism Support Assistant

Works closely with children who have autism, offering tailored support and helping them access the curriculum in mainstream or specialist settings.

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Speech and Language Support Assistant

Supports pupils with speech, language, and communication needs, often working alongside speech and language therapists to implement strategies in the classroom.

Behaviour Support Teaching Assistant

Assists children with behavioural difficulties, helping to manage behaviour in the classroom and supporting positive learning experiences.

Gain Relevant Education

Achieve GCSEs

Obtain at least GCSEs in English and Maths, as these are often the minimum requirements for support roles in schools.

Most schools require GCSEs at grades 4 or C and above in English and Maths for support staff. You may also find it helpful to have a GCSE in Science or another subject related to education. Check with your local schools for any additional subject requirements.

Consider a College Course

Complete a relevant college course such as Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning or a Level 3 Award in Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs.

These courses are widely offered at further education colleges and provide the practical knowledge and skills needed to work with children with additional needs. Some courses can be completed part-time while you gain experience through volunteering.

Gain Experience with Children

Volunteer in Schools

Offer your time as a volunteer to work with children, especially those with special educational needs.

Volunteering in a local primary or secondary school will give you valuable experience and insight into working with children who have additional needs. Many schools are keen to accept volunteers, especially if you show a strong interest in SEN.

Seek Teaching Assistant Roles

Apply for entry-level Teaching Assistant positions to build direct experience.

Being a Teaching Assistant is a common route into SEN support work. This role allows you to develop classroom skills and work directly with students who need extra help. Look for positions that mention experience with SEN as desirable or essential.

Develop SEN Knowledge and Skills

Undertake SEN Training

Attend training sessions, workshops, or online courses focused on special educational needs.

There are many free and paid training opportunities, including short courses on autism awareness, ADHD, and supporting children with learning difficulties. Completing such training demonstrates your commitment and increases your confidence when supporting children with SEN.

Learn About SEN Policies

Familiarise yourself with SEN policies and legal requirements in UK schools.

Understanding the SEND Code of Practice and how schools support children with additional needs is essential. You can find resources on the GOV.UK website and from organisations like the National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN).

Apply for SENCo Assistant Positions

Search for Vacancies

Look for SENCo Assistant roles in local schools and apply with a tailored CV and cover letter.

Highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and any SEN training you have completed. Emphasise your passion for helping children and your understanding of SEN support.

Prepare for Interviews

Practise common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experience supporting children with SEN.

Schools will want to know about your practical experience, your ability to communicate with staff and families, and your understanding of the challenges faced by children with additional needs. Be prepared to give examples of how you have helped or supported children in previous roles.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) Assistant. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

The SENCo Assistant role is most closely aligned with the SEN teaching assistant position because both roles involve supporting the educational development of students with special educational needs. The SENCo Assistant works alongside SEN teachers and assists in implementing strategies and interventions tailored to individual pupils, similar to the responsibilities of a SEN teaching assistant.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need to find a trainee position. 

Examples include:

  • supporting teaching and learning in schools
  • childcare and education - early years educator
  • T Level in Education and Early Years

You may be able to get a placement working with children with special educational needs while doing your course.

Many people get qualifications or experience working with children in mainstream schools, then move on to work with children with special educational needs.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Teaching Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Early Years Educator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Volunteering

You could get experience by volunteering in a local school or with a community organisation.

Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience of working with children and young people. It can also help when applying for jobs or training courses.

Direct Application

You can apply for special needs teaching assistant jobs if you have experience of working with disabled children or children who have learning difficulties.

You can search for schools in your area then look for job vacancies on their websites.

Each school sets its own entry requirements, though you'll usually need GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths.

Contracts are often term-time only and if you're employed through an agency, your pay may be based on a daily rate.

More Information

Career tips

The ability to communicate with children and young people using British Sign Language or Makaton can be helpful, though your employer may offer you training in this.

It's also helpful to understand what kind of support disabled students and those with particular conditions might need, such as assistive learning and communication technology.

Special needs teaching assistant are employed term-time only. A working week can vary from a few hours up to full time.

Advertised pay rates are often listed as full-time equivalent (FTE). Actual pay will depend on the number of hours worked.

You can also search for jobs using the Teaching Vacancies service.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN) for advice about working in special educational needs and for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can get more details about a career in special educational needs through:

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