What does it take to be an SEN teaching assistant?
Have you found yourself considering working with children? Becoming an SEN teaching assistant can be incredibly rewarding. You can really make a difference to the lives of those who need the most support ? but how do you start?
There are a few routes to becoming an SEN teaching assistant, also known as an SEN learning support assistant, such as college courses, apprenticeships or volunteering. Through a college route, you can do:
- Level 2 and 3 Certificates in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Early Years Educator
- T Level in Education and Childcare
Through these routes, many individuals proceed to work with children in mainstream schools before moving into working with children with special educational needs. You can find more information about routes into becoming an SEN TA here
Of course, qualifications don?t necessarily guarantee success for an SEN TA ? there are qualities you?ll need too
1.Flexibility
As an SEN teaching assistant, every day is different. You may have to adapt your expectations of what you'll achieve of how the day is going to go according to the pupil's needs, which can easily vary from day to day.
2.Open-mindedness
Being open-minded is a crucial quality of any SEN teaching assistant. The ability to consider new ideas and be accepting and judgment-free are critical. SEN pupils have a range of needs, and you'll have to be able to cope with all of them and welcome any new ideas and adjust to new patterns with ease.
3.Patience
Some days you'll feel like you haven?t made much progress, but that?s okay. By remaining patient and celebrating small wins and successes, you'll be able to see the bigger picture and feel confident that you are making an invaluable difference in your pupils' lives.
4.Communicative
In this role, you'll be expected to build a rapport with parents and carers and a great relationship with the pupils themselves. By nurturing these relationships, you can help ensure that everyone is on the same page, supported & involved.
So what are the responsibilities of an SEN teaching assistant?
Day-to-day tasks for an SEN teaching assistant can include:
- preparing learning materials
- adapting support according to needs
- looking after children's physical, social and emotional welfare
- creating a stimulating environment
- informing and helping teachers
- attending review meetings
- working with professionals such as speech and language therapists
- following safeguarding procedures to ensure a safe environment
Being an SEN teaching assistant isn?t without challenges, but many find the sense of accomplishment and fulfilment second to none. Dedicating yourself to supporting young individuals who need it most is a truly heroic thing to do: read our five-point checklist for finding your next SEN teaching role here
If you?re thinking of becoming an SEN teaching assistant, get in touch with our dedicated consultants to find out how we can support you.