According to the DfE, over 1.5 million pupils in England have special educational needs.
With delays in assessments, the number may be even higher. This is just one of the reasons why there has never been a better time to work in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The government has pledged £740 million to create 10,000 new SEND school places. Some mainstream schools are setting up specialist units, and new initiatives focus on early intervention and inclusion. With demand for specialist SEN teachers and teaching assistants at an all-time high, there’s never been a better moment to launch your career in SEND. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.
SEN Teaching assistants
A common first step is becoming a SEND Teaching Assistant, supporting learners individually or in small groups. You don’t need a degree, but these qualifications can help.
NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning
CACHE Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
BTEC Level 2 or 3 in Education and Training
Some schools offer apprenticeships. If you already have experience, a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) role gives you more responsibility, including planning and delivering lessons.
Already a teacher?
Qualified teachers can specialise in SEND. There’s plenty of specialist training and qualifications available, including:
National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO)
Postgraduate diplomas/masters in Special Educational Needs
Courses on autism, dyslexia, ADHD, speech and language needs.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
This is a leadership role for qualified teachers who want to focus on supporting pupils with SEND. A SENCO oversees SEND provision in schools.
Specialising in SEND
If you have experience, there are lots of ways to specialise. Many start as mainstream teachers and then move into specialist SEND roles, often by working in an inclusive classroom.
Learning never stops
There are many routes into SEND roles, but the truth is: training is only the start. In education, you never stop learning. Every day brings new challenges and new skills, and you’ll keep building your expertise through extra courses and hands-on experience as your career develops.
Gaining SEND experience
Experience is everything in SEND roles. Some ways to build it include:
Volunteering at local schools, charities, or SEND support groups.
Taking short-term work placements in special schools or SEND units.
Joining SEND-focused forums and communities to learn from others.
Key skills and qualities
Working in SEND isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about empathy and understanding. Successful SEND professionals are:
Patient and empathetic
SEND learners need time and specialist support to succeed. Both patience and empathy help students face their academic and social challenges and setbacks. Active listening, celebrating small wins and taking time for reflection all help.
Flexible to different learning styles
Flexibility is key. Working with SEN learners means that lesson plans need to be adjusted, as do teaching methods and classroom approaches.
Good communicators
Potential methods of communication are diverse for SEND learners. In addition to traditional communication methods, body language and facial expression are important.
Confident in managing a classroom
SEN learners are two to five times more likely to be excluded. To effectively support SEN learners, you need skills in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behaviour management techniques.
Working with SEND demands specific skills. If you haven't honed them yet, the good news is that these skills can be developed.
Advance your SEN career
There are free resources available. These include:
The SEND Gateway: This online network for SEN professionals has resources, including training materials and research on SEND practices. Many are available for free.
British Dyslexia Association: This site offers online CPD courses, webinars, and guides for educators supporting learners with dyslexia. Many resources are available for free.
SEND Teacher resources for children with special needs (Primary) Grab a taster pack created by SEND specialists. It’s full of practical guidance and ready-to-use materials based on the Engagement Model and Pre-Key Stage Standards, so you’ll be supporting pupils using the latest frameworks.
Grow your SEND career with us
Our team offers training and placements to help you succeed in SEND. With flexible CPD courses, you can gain the skills and experience needed to support a wide range of learners.
At Protocol Education, we understand the life-changing impact of SEND support on both students and staff. Whether you’re starting or looking to specialise, there are opportunities to grow, learn, and make a real difference. With the right guidance, hands-on experience, and a bit of passion, you can build a career that’s both rewarding and impactful. Find out more here: https://www.protocol-education.com/candidates
