Special Needs Assisting - QQI level 6

To join the Level 6 SNA course, 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 Special Needs Assisting work experience during the course if they are not already working in the area.

SNA Level 6 Course Syllabus – 6N1957

• • Legislation and Assessment Procedures
  • Inclusion and Integration
  • Observation, Recording, Report Writing and Data Protection
  • Assistive Technology
  • Education Provision
  • Learning Styles and Task Analysis
  • Literacy Skills
  • Personal & Professional Development

All our tutors are highly qualified in their field and have a wealth of experience in the field of special needs education.

Our tutors are extremely supportive to all learners who are new in their journey in the area of special needs assisting.

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

This Level 6 SNA course is continuous assessment. Work experience also needs to be completed.

QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting Component Certificate 6N1957

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting, allowing you to work as a special needs assistant.

The 2025 budget in Ireland has introduced funding for 1,600 new Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving special education resources. This increase in Special Needs Assisting positions is part of a broader strategy to provide more comprehensive support to students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed in schools.

The initiative will help address the growing need for specialised assistance, further embedding inclusion as a core value within the Irish education system. With this added funding, it is a great time to start your career in Special Needs Assisting.

Read more about the 2025 budget changes for SNA’s.

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 for this Level 6 SNA course.

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.

• Explore strategies to assist in the provision of this education and care. This Level 6 SNA course will explore the role of the Multi Disciplinary Teams to ensure integration, inclusion, and equal opportunities
• Develop an understanding of the importance and function of IEP’S/PPP’s and the role you play as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Critically evaluate the provision of education for those with Special Educational Needs, with reference to past and current legislation.
• You will develop the capacity to work and communicate effectively with parents, families, colleagues, and other professionals to safeguard, support and promote children’s learning, development and well-being.