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Special educational needs (SEN) teacher apprenticeships

Teaching and education

Special educational needs (SEN) teacher apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly


    • University

    You can do an undergraduate degree that leads to qualified teacher status (QTS), for example: 

    • Bachelor of Education (BEd) 
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) with QTS 
    • Bachelor of Science (BSc) with QTS 
    You can also complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), if you have a first degree without QTS. This is a common choice and can be done at university or on a school-based training programme. There are more training options if you want to change career or specialise in teaching certain subjects. Most teaching courses include options on teaching children with special educational needs.

    You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) and 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course. 

    Apprenticeship
    You can get into this career through one of a small number of postgraduate teaching Apprenticeships, if you have a degree. You'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) and a degree for a teaching apprenticeship. 

    Work
    You could start as a teaching assistant and do a part-time degree. From there, you can move onto a postgraduate teaching course to qualify as a teacher.

    Volunteering

    You'll find it helpful to get some experience of working with young people with special educational needs or disabilities through paid work or volunteering at a school, youth club or on a holiday scheme.

    Direct Application
    If you're a qualified teacher, you can get extra training to teach pupils with special educational needs. Many local education authorities offer courses for teachers who want to do this. You'll usually need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a state school in England. You can attend teacher training events before you apply to get advice about the profession, the different training routes and funding.

    You can attend events in person and online. You can find out more about developing your skills for working with pupils with special educational needs from National Association for Special Educational Needs. 

    Professional and industry bodies
    You could become a member of National Association for Special Educational Needs to help with professional development.

    Special educational needs (SEN) teacher apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
    • sensitivity and understanding 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • the ability to work well with others
    • the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
    • knowledge of English language 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • the ability to understand people’s reactions 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults. To teach pupils with hearing impairment, vision impairment or multi-sensory impairment, you'll need further specialist qualifications.

    Special educational needs (SEN) teacher apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You will: 

    • plan lessons and prepare teaching materials 
    • teach whole class lessons, work with small groups and support pupils individually 
    • help pupils develop self-confidence, independence and skills for life 
    • manage pupils' behaviour, motivate and encourage them to learn 
    • mark and assess work take registers and write reports 
    You'll sometimes also: 

    • work with specialist teaching services, medical staff, therapists and psychologists 
    • talk to parents and carers about their children's progress
    • attend meetings, statutory reviews and training workshops 
    • organise outings, school social activities and sporting events 
    • run training sessions for other teaching staff on special needs issues
    Working environment
    You could work at a school, at a special needs school or at a pupil referral unit. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

    Career path and progression - Special educational needs (SEN) teacher apprenticeships

    You could become a special needs co-ordinator, head of department, deputy head or headteacher in your school, through training and promotion.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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