Special Teaching Assistant

Like classroom assistants, special needs teaching assistants support special educational needs (SEN) teachers by helping pupils with learning, physical or behavioral difficulties. SEN teaching assistants work in a variety of settings, such as special schools, mainstream schools with special units and mainstream classes with individual pupils.

Special needs teaching assistants' work depends on the individual needs of the pupil/s and their age, but may include: assisting with pupils' physical needs, including assisting with appropriate therapy and/or physiotherapy sessions, helping with the pupils' school work under the supervision of the SEN teacher, helping pupils to increase their confidence, self-esteem and independence, helping pupils who have difficulty communicating with others, including those whose first language is not English.

There may be requirements in some schools for SEN teaching assistants to have training and qualifications in specific areas, such as sign language for pupils with hearing impairments.

Teaching assistants can also access specialized training appropriate to the pupils they may be working with. This may include sign language, marathon, training in Easy Read and Braille. In addition, a certain level of physical fitness may be required for supporting pupils with physical needs (for example, to help in physiotherapy sessions/help with moving the child).

A special educational needs teacher works with children and young people who have emotional, behavioral or learning difficulties, or physical disabilities. SEN teachers may also work with exceptionally gifted pupils. They are involved in identifying all levels of need and are responsible for creating a safe, stimulating and supportive learning environment for special needs pupils.

Generally, SEN teachers teach small groups or individuals, and adapt their teaching to meet the needs of individual pupils. In England and Wales, SEN teachers follow the National Curriculum as far as possible. In Scotland, they teach the 5-14 Curriculum and qualifications up to Standard and Higher Grade.

The work is often challenging and varied, and may involve: teaching either individual pupils or small groups of pupils within, or outside, the class, preparing lessons, and marking and assessing work, developing and adapting conventional teaching methods to meet the individual needs of pupils; using special equipment and facilities, such as audio-visual materials and computers to stimulate interest in learning, attending meetings and in-service training.