Special Needs Assisting Level 5

5N1786 SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTING LEVEL 5

Certification Centre

Forus Training, Castle House, Castle Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Overview

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills, and competence in the practices and principles underpinning the role of a Special Needs Assistant to enable the learner to work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting capacity. It covers all the basic knowledge required to operate efficiently as a Special Needs Assistant.

Access

To access this programmes the learner should have reached the standards of knowledge, skill, and competence associated with the preceding level of the National Framework of Qualifications. This may have been achieved through a formal qualification or through relevant life and work experience.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explore in the role and responsibilities of the Special Needs Assistant
  • Examine the qualities and skills of an effective Special Needs Assistant
  • Examine relevant legislation in relation to disability
  • Explore the rights of children with disabilities in relation to personal autonomy, participation and decision making
  • Relate effectively and appropriately to children who present with additional needs
  • Use care routines in feeding, toileting, and general hygiene
  • Maintain appropriate relationships with children parents, primary carers, teachers and other members of the multidisciplinary team
  • Work effectively with children who present with disabilities under the direction of the classroom teacher
  • Assist children with disabilities in a range of activities, ensuring equality of opportunity through working in a safe and professional manner
  • Reflect on personal practice working with children, their parents or guardians and colleagues ensuring that children’s individuality is promoted and that their needs are met.

Assessment Methods

  • Skills Demonstration 60%
  • Learner Record 40%

A skills demonstration is used to assess a wide range of practical based learning outcomes including practical skills and knowledge. A skills demonstration will require the learner to complete a task or series of tasks that demonstrate a range of skills.

A learner record is the learner’s self-reported and self-reflective record in which he/she describes specific learning experiences, activities, responses, and skills acquired.

Work Experience Requirement

Learners will be expected to secure at least 40 hours work experience in a supervised setting ideally during the programme.

Certification

On successful completion of this component, learners will receive a QQI Minor Award Component Certificate in Special Needs Assisting 5N1786 (Level 5)

Transfer

Successful completion of this component award enables the learner to transfer to programmes leading to other certificates where this component is a mandatory or an elective requirement.