Special Needs Assistant Combined (SNA – 2 Modules) - QQI level 5

The minimum age is 17 Years. All learners must have a good standard of English. Currently, the Department of Education and Science stipulates that all those gaining full-time employment in schools must have at least 3 passes at Junior Certificate or equivalent.

Applicants should also indicate how they plan to obtain their work experience during this course if they are not already working in the area.

As per QQI requirements, if you wish to use previously achieved modules to complete your Major Award, then they must have been achieved within the last five years. You must provide the College with copies of these certificates in order to go forward for certification once you have completed your programme of training with us.

This QQI Level 5 combined SNA course includes the following two modules:

SNA Level 5 Programme Syllabus – 5N1786

• History of Special Needs in Ireland
• The role of the Special Needs Assistant
• Medical Conditions
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Working as part of a Multidisciplinary Team
• Professionalism & Accountability
• Legislation
• Health & Safety

Children with Additional Needs Programme Syllabus – 5N2396

• Child Development
• Physical Disabilities
• General Learning Difficulties
• Specific Learning Difficulties
• Hearing & Visual Impairments
• Understanding & Managing Difficult Behaviour
• Theories of Learning & Behaviour
• Continuous AssessmentCommunication & Language Development

*Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.

This course is assessed through continuous assessment rather than a final examination.

On successful completion, learners receive two QQI Level 5 component certificates:

• Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)
• Children with Additional Needs (5N2396).

Together, these provide broader Level 5 training for learners preparing for SNA and education support roles.

Not sure which SNA qualification is right for you? Explore our full range of SNA courses to compare Level 5, Level 6, combined and online study options.

Learners must complete 20 hours of work experience as part of this course. This allows you to apply your learning in a practical education or care setting. Learners are responsible for securing their own suitable work placement.

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out work with children or vulnerable persons.

Students must complete the Garda Vetting process before commencing work placement.

Students who have spent more than 6 months living outside of Ireland will need to provide a copy of their Police Clearance Certification for all international addresses that they have lived at, before starting placement.

During this course you will:

• Discover practical approaches and activities that nurture physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth in children with diverse abilities.
• Understand key child development and behaviour principles, equipping you with the knowledge to support individual learning journeys effectively.
• Explore the vital role of an SNA, including a detailed study of the EPSEN Act, Irish laws, and professional standards within the special needs sector.
• Use care routines in feeding, toileting and general hygiene.
• Maintain appropriate relationships with children’s parents, primary carers, teachers and other members of the multidisciplinary team