Course Summary
Course Category: Employment / Lifelong Learning
The Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5 programme at Portobello Institute is an intensive short course for those starting their pathway into special needs assisting.
Delivered through online interactive lectures, it introduces the role of the special needs assistant (SNA) and the practical knowledge needed to support children and young people with additional needs.
Areas of study include child development, learning and behaviour, equal opportunities, physical and intellectual disabilities, communication and language disabilities, and the responsibilities of the SNA in education and care settings.
A 20-hour work placement gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a special needs setting, while one-to-one tutorial support helps guide them through the programme and assignments. Assignments are typically due 11 to 12 weeks after the programme start date.
- Delivery mode: Online learning with live interactive lectures
- Duration: 1-week intensive short course, with assignments and work placement completed after live classes
- Awarding body: QQI
- Qualification outcome: QQI Level 5 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting
- Key progression note: Graduates may progress to complete a QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting. Portobello Institute offers a Level 5 & Level 6 Booking Package.
Further Information
Book a call with Career Pathway Consultant Jennifer Matteazzi to discuss study options
Fees, payment plan, and funding information is available.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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The Role of the Special Needs Assistant
Equal Opportunities Child Development (Overview)
Theories of Learning and Behaviour
Physical and Intellectual Disabilities
Communications and Language Disabilities
Work Experience
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
Progression to CAO Courses
Who Is This Programme For?
This programme is suited to social learners who enjoy supporting children and helping them participate more fully in education and care settings.
It is ideal for those starting out in special needs assisting, career changers, parents, childcare workers, or individuals who want to build a practical understanding of additional needs and inclusive support.
The Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5 will appeal to people who are caring, patient, observant, and motivated to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
What Career Pathways Are Available?
The QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assistant programme provides an introductory qualification for those interested in working in special needs assisting and related support roles.
Students develop knowledge of child development, learning needs, communication, disability, inclusion, and the day-to-day role of the SNA. This foundation supports entry-level opportunities in schools, care settings, and wider education support environments.
Graduates can explore roles such as:
- Special needs assistant
- Classroom support assistant
- Learning support assistant
- Education support worker
- Care or education support assistant
Progression routes may include:
- QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting
- Further study in inclusive education, child development, or education support
Professional Eligibility
This QQI level 5 qualification supports applications for special needs assistant roles in Irish education and care settings. Individual employers may set additional requirements depending on the role, setting, and level of responsibility.