Course Curriculum

Legal Entitlement with SEN 00:13:00
Disabilities & Development 00:14:00
Types of Special Educational Needs 00:16:00
Effects of Disability 00:16:00
Special Needs & Special Education 00:16:00
Communication and Interaction 00:19:00
Physical Needs and Roles and Responsibilities 00:17:00
Obtain Your Certificate 00:00:00

Overview 

Special Needs & Special Education for Disability is an important area of learning for anyone who wants to support children with additional needs and disabilities. Across the UK, many children and families rely on the help of trained, patient, and understanding professionals. This CPD-accredited online course gives you the knowledge and confidence to better understand learners with different needs and support them in a practical and caring way.

You will learn how UK legislation protects children with special educational needs, what different types of SEN can look like in real life, and how conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and physical disabilities may affect learning, behaviour, and communication. The course also explains the key roles and responsibilities involved in SEN support, helping you understand what may be expected in an education, care, or support setting.

Whether you want to start a career as a teaching assistant, already work in education or care, or simply want to support a child in your personal life, Special Needs & Special Education for Disability training gives you a clear and practical starting point. No previous qualifications are needed. Just a genuine desire to understand, support, and make a positive difference.

 What You Will Learn

  • Explain the legal entitlements of children with SEN under UK law and understand how special educational needs frameworks support learners in school settings

  • Identify a range of disabilities and developmental conditions, and describe how they can affect a child’s learning and overall development

  • Recognise the different types of Special Needs & Special Education for Disability needs, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and physical and sensory impairments

  • Understand how disability can impact a child’s emotional, social, and academic progress, and apply this knowledge to provide better day-to-day support

  • Apply effective communication and interaction strategies when working with SEN learners, parents, and multi-agency professionals in educational settings

  • Describe the physical needs of pupils with disabilities and explain the key roles and responsibilities of those working in Special Needs & Special Education for Disability support roles

Assessment:

To complete this SEN Teaching Assistant Course, you will take a short online multiple-choice assessment, with a mock exam available to help you prepare.

After successfully passing, you will receive a free PDF certificate as proof of your achievement. You can also request a hard copy certificate for £9.99, with delivery charges of £10 within the UK and £19.99 for international shipping.

Who is this course for?

This SEN Teaching Assistant Course is ideal for anyone looking to start or develop a career in education support. It is suitable for aspiring teaching assistants, individuals interested in working with children with special educational needs, and those already in education or care roles who want to build their SEN knowledge. It is also helpful for parents or caregivers who wish to better support children with additional learning needs.

Why Take This Course from The Cambridge Open Academy

This course is designed to provide clear, practical knowledge aligned with UK SEN practices, helping you confidently support children in real educational settings. With CPD-accredited training, flexible online access, and lifetime access to course materials, you can learn at your own pace without disruption. You will also benefit from a mock exam for preparation and 24/7 learner support, ensuring a smooth and supportive learning experience from start to finish

Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for the SEN course. A basic interest in education and supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) will be helpful, along with a willingness to learn and develop practical skills.

SEN Teaching & Support Career Path

  • SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)
    Supports pupils with special educational needs in mainstream or specialist classrooms, assisting with learning, behaviour, communication, and inclusion under teacher supervision.
    Salary = £18,000 – £26,000 per year (often term-time only; £23,000–£31,000 in London)
  • Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – SEN Specialist
    Delivers targeted interventions, small-group support, and classroom cover for pupils with SEN, often focusing on needs such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia.
    Salary = £27,000 – £35,000 per year (higher in specialist settings or with experience)
  • SENCO Assistant / Inclusion Support Coordinator
    Supports the SENCO with EHCP administration, referrals, inclusion planning, record-keeping, and coordinating support for pupils with additional needs.
    Salary = £30,000 – £42,000 per year
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher / Specialist Teacher
    Plans and delivers tailored lessons for pupils with special educational needs in mainstream or specialist schools, adapting teaching methods to support a wide range of disabilities and learning difficulties.
    Salary = £33,000 – £51,000+ per year (higher with additional responsibilities)
  • SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
    Leads a school’s SEN provision, oversees statutory compliance, manages EHCPs, coordinates multi-agency support, and provides guidance and training to staff.
    Salary = £45,000 – £70,000+ per year (includes TLR/SEN allowances depending on school and location)
  • Specialist SEN Practitioner / Outreach Worker
    Provides specialist support across schools, alternative provisions, or community settings for children with complex needs, while also advising staff and promoting inclusive practices.
    Salary = £35,000 – £50,000 per year

Certification:​

Once you have successfully completed this course, you can order a certificate as proof of your achievement.

A PDF certificate is available for £5.99. You can also request a hardcopy certificate for £9.99.

Delivery of the hardcopy certificate is free within the United Kingdom. For international learners, an additional delivery charge will apply based on the destination country.

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