Switching from Mainstream to SEN Teaching: Why You Should Consider It?

If you are a teacher working in a mainstream school and reading this article, you’ve probably had an experience of supporting a child’s additional needs within your classroom. If you found the experience enjoyable and rewarding, maybe it’s time to switch things up and consider a move into a SEN teaching role? 

Here’s why YOU should consider switching to SEN education and explore a different side of teaching: 

Transferable Skills: 

Your teaching experience from mainstream schools is invaluable and can be easily transferrable to SEN teaching. You’ll need a QTS or, if you already have a bachelor's degree without qualified teacher status, you can complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).. You don’t need any additional qualifications to start.

You will use the same skills of patience, adaptability, clear and effective communication, and differentiating tasks to allow children to learn according to their individual preferences and needs. 

Greater Job Satisfaction: 

Working with children with special educational needs requires a different approach to teaching, which is incredibly rewarding. SEN teachers work closely with individual students to help them achieve their full potential and feel more confident in their abilities. The job provides the satisfaction of making a difference and helping children who need it most.

Expanded Career Opportunities: 

Embarking on a career in SEN teaching opens up a wealth of opportunities. As a qualified SEN teacher, you can work in a range of settings from specialist schools and units, to specialist hospitals, and even home-schooling environments. 

Collaboration with Specialists: 

When you work in SEN education, you are part of a team, and collaboration is key to success. Working alongside other SEN specialists, support staff, and external agencies such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists can be an enriching experience, as everyone works towards the same goal of helping students reach their full potential.

More support: 

In mainstream schools, providing students with additional needs and the level of personalised support they require can be challenging. SEN schools can access more teaching assistants, therapists, and specialists. This makes the teaching experience much less stressful and ensures that students receive the maximum support needed to thrive.

I am interested! Where do I begin?

1. Conduct research

Start by researching what the world of special education entails, including different types of SEN schools available, including those for students with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and additional learning needs. Identifying which specialty matches your skillset and teaching experience can help guide your job search.

You can access resources from organizations such as National Autistic Society. and Department for Education..Attending workshops and seminars can also expand your knowledge and give you a taste of what SEN teaching is like.

2. Gain Experience in SEN Sector

If you already have some experience working with children with learning difficulties, you can move onto the next step. If not, you can start by volunteering with local charities or organizations that support children with special needs. This will give you a chance to work with children and learn about the various strategies and approaches used to help them learn.

3. Update your CV

Now it's time to update your CV with relevant experience. Highlight your transferable skills, such as patience, adaptability, and communication. Use relevant industry terms in your summary and skills sections. Showcase any training or certifications you've earned. Explain how you've implemented teaching methods in your classroom to improve students' learning, and why you would like to teach in an SEN school.

4. Contact an Education Recruitment Agency

Despite having solid credentials and experience, it can be challenging to break into SEN teaching without connections or insider knowledge. Our SEN team at OmniaPeople can help you navigate the job market, connect you with schools that are hiring and match your unique skillset, and provide support throughout the application process. We can also offer guidance on your CV to ensure it will get noticed amongst others, help with interview preparation, share valuable insights about the organisation and negotiate salary on your behalf.

Are you ready to make the next step and switch into SEN education? Get in touch with our experienced SEN specialists to find out more about the change job vacancies and the process. Your next exciting role is waiting for you!  

Or, alternatively, call our office on 0203 011 0044.

How to become a SEN Teaching Assistant?

If you are a parent, family member, or friend of a child with learning difficulties, you know how rewarding it is to see them make progress, overcome challenges, and succeed. But did you know that you could turn this passion into a career as a teaching assistant (TA) in the special education needs (SEN) sector? This article will take you through the role of a teaching assistant, take you through the steps involved in becoming one, and explain how you can apply for a job in SEN sector.

Role and responsibilities

As a teaching assistant, you will work closely with the classroom teacher to provide one-to-one or small group support to children who need extra help. This may involve adapting teaching materials, supervising students during lessons, assisting with classroom management, and helping with personal care. The role comes with its challenges, but it is also extremely rewarding if you want to help children thrive in their education. If this sounds interesting to you, here’s how you can start your career in SEN:

Step 1: Gain Experience in SEN Sector

To become a teaching assistant in the SEN sector, you’ll need to have some experience working with children with learning difficulties. You may already have some experience through supporting a family member or friend. If not, you could consider volunteering with local charities or organizations that support children with special needs, completing a work placement or apprenticeship. This will give you a chance to work with children and learn about the various strategies and approaches used to help them learn.

Step 2: Research Training and Qualifications

To work as a teaching assistant in the SEN sector, you’ll need to have certain qualifications and training. These will vary depending on the school or organization you work for and the specific role you’re applying for. Generally, you’ll need to have a minimum of a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or an equivalent qualification. You may also need to have additional training in areas such as autism, behaviour management, or speech and language therapy.

Step 3: Apply for Jobs

Once you have gained some experience and qualifications, you can start looking for teaching assistant jobs in the SEN sector. The first place to start is to search for vacancies within schools or educational organizations or simply contact our team to get full support in the process. Give us a call on 0203 011 0044 to find out more about current opportunities.

Step 4: Attend Interviews

When attending interviews, be prepared to answer questions about your knowledge of SEN education, talk about your experience, qualifications, and ability to adapt to different learning needs. You may also be asked to provide examples of how you have supported children with SEN in the past and explain how you would approach specific scenarios. Show that you are passionate about working with children with SEN and are committed to helping them to achieve their full potential.

Becoming a teaching assistant in the SEN sector is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can gain the experience, qualifications, and skills needed to work in this sector. Your passion for helping these children will make a significant difference in their lives and lead to a long and fulfilling career as a teaching assistant.

If you are interested to find out more about teaching assistant role and request a call or upload your CV, please press the button below.