How long does the course take to complete?

Live classes are delivered over 1 week, or 2 weeks if completing both Level 5 and Level 6. After this, learners complete assignments over approximately 11 to 12 weeks, along with their work placement. Results are typically issued around one month after submission.

What is the difference between a minor and a major award?

A minor award is a single module accreditation that can be completed and certified by QQI. A major award is made up of multiple modules and represents a full qualification, allowing progression into employment or further study.

Is attendance at classes mandatory?

Classes are delivered as live, tutor-led webinars. Attendance is recommended, but all sessions are recorded so learners can review them at a time that suits them.

How are classes delivered?

Classes are delivered online through live webinars. These sessions are interactive and designed to fit around work and personal commitments.

Is work experience required as part of the course?

Yes. Work experience is required. Level 5 students complete 20 hours of work placement, Level 6 students complete 20 hours, and students completing the combined course complete 40 hours in total. Work placement is completed after the lecture period.

What kind of assignments will I complete?

Assessment is based on continuous coursework rather than exams. Level 5 includes a written report, essay and learner record. Level 6 includes a project and skills demonstrations.

Are there final exams?

No. There are no final exams. Assessment is based on continuous coursework completed throughout the programme, with time after the course finishes to complete and submit assignments.

Can I study this course while working?

Yes. The course is designed as an intensive programme to support learners balancing study with work and other commitments. Each session is recorded so learners have access to course notes and can catch up if needed.

Are there payment options available?

Payment is required in full before starting the course, as all course materials are made available from the beginning.

Is funding available for this course?

If you are eligible for funding through social welfare, you should contact your local Intreo office or caseworker for advice on available supports.

What qualification will I receive after completing the course?

You will receive a QQI-accredited award recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.

QQI Level 5

Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5

Course Overview

Are you interested in becoming a Special Needs Assistant? This QQI level 5 Minor Award Special Needs Assisting is suited to anyone who has an interest in Special Needs Education, whether to pursue it as a career or use the knowledge for personal or family reasons.

Level Short Course Qualification QQI Level 5

Intensive short course

Duration 1 week

1^st Year Fees €595.00

Choose your start date

20th July 2026 21st September 2026 9th November 2026

Portobello Institute’s QQI level 5 Special Needs Assistant course gives you the opportunity to qualify and work as an SNA. It prepares you to work in schools, hospitals, and care homes. You’ll gain knowledge, empathy, and understanding crucial for supporting individuals with special needs.

This course includes 20 hours of work experience, providing practical skills to complement your studies, alongside one-on-one tutorial support. It’s accessible, affordable, and achievable.

Upon completing this course, you will hold a QQI level 5 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting. With this qualification you can progress to our QQI level 6 Minor Award Special Needs Assisting. We also have a booking package available.

During the QQI level 5 Minor Award, you will learn about development and learning in children with special needs and about the role of an SNA.

You will learn about child development and behaviour theories and how a range of activities can promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual development in children with learning, physical and behavioural disabilities.

You will develop the capacity to work and communicate effectively with parents, families, colleagues and other professionals to safeguard, support and promote children’s learning, development and well-being.

During this programme you will cover the following topics:

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

Fran Trehy

Position: Special Needs Assisting lecturer ‘The heartfelt hero, using their talents to help students discover their own. Dedicating their time and energy each day to the students in their care, and doing it all while meeting the individual needs of many.’ About Fran Trehy With almost two decades of hands-on experience…...

Position: Special Needs Assisting lecturer

‘The heartfelt hero, using their talents to help students discover their own. Dedicating their time and energy each day to the students in their care, and doing it all while meeting the individual needs of many.’

About Fran Trehy

With almost two decades of hands-on experience as a Special Needs Assistant, Fran Trehy brings real-world insight, deep compassion, and a lifelong passion for inclusive education to her teaching.

Fran holds an MA in Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs from Portobello Institute, alongside a degree in Arts and Humanities with a focus on Family Studies.

Her academic achievements complement a wealth of practical experience supporting children with a wide range of needs, including those who have experienced trauma. These experiences have given Fran a unique depth of understanding and empathy, which she carries into every aspect of her work.

Now a lecturer in Inclusive Education Practice at Portobello Institute, Fran is dedicated to equipping Special Needs Assistants and inclusive education specialists with not only the knowledge and skills they need, but also the confidence and compassion to make a lasting difference. Charity trips to India to promote Inclusive education through a series of lectures for practitioners had been a privilege for her to inspire other Educators.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that inclusive education is more than just strategies; it is about creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments where every child and every learner can thrive. Fran’s classrooms are spaces where curiosity is encouraged, every question matters, and students are inspired to grow both professionally and personally.

Qualifications

BA Hons, Arts and Humanity focusing on family studies
Special Needs Assisting Level5 and Level 6
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia awareness certificates
PECS and ABA Certificates
MA Inclusive Education and SEN

Our Special Needs Assisting courses are delivered in an intensive format, with all classes completed over one week. Students who choose the combined Level 5 + Level 6 package will complete their classes over a two-week intensive schedule.

Both the Level 5 and Level 6 intensive courses run from Monday to Friday, with classes taking place daily from 10am to 1pm. Each class lasts 3 hours.

Assignments are typically due 11 to 12 weeks after the course start date. Results are usually released around one month after submission.

All classes are delivered online through Microsoft Teams, giving students the flexibility to join from anywhere. Every class is also recorded, so you can revisit lessons for revision, catch up on missed sessions, and review topics again in your own time.

For Level 5, assessment includes a written report, an essay, and a learner record. For Level 6, assessment includes a project and two skills demonstrations.

Students completing Level 5 must complete 20 hours of work placement. Students completing Level 6 must also complete 20 hours of work placement. Those enrolled in the combined Level 5 + Level 6 package will complete 40 hours in total.

Before starting work placement, all students must complete Garda Vetting through Portobello Institute. This must be completed in person on site.

Work Placement

During this course, you will complete a 20-hour work placement in a special needs setting, applying the skills and exercises learned during the program. This hands-on experience will allow you to stimulate, develop, and guide children to their full potential in a setting aligned with your career goals.

Garda Vetting

Before starting clinical placements, students on this programme must complete up-to-date Garda Vetting, which is conducted through Portobello Institute.

Carried out by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána, Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for anyone undertaking work or activities involving children or vulnerable adults.

Vetting checks whether an individual has a criminal record or any relevant information that may need to be considered before they begin placement.

Learn about the Garda Vetting process at Portobello Institute here.

Industry Partners

There are no previous academic or experience requirements for this course.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate evidence of achievement of B2 standard for writing, reading, listening, and speaking at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

1
Complete the online application form.
2
Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants upon successful completion of the online booking form and payment of course fees.

Intensive short course

Course: €595

€595.00 Year 1 total fee

Through Portobello Institute’s partnership with Heritage Credit Union, eligible students may be able to access a Start Back Loan to help make course fees more manageable. It is one more way we support students to start, change or progress their career with confidence. Find out more here.

Level Short Course Qualification QQI Level 5

Intensive short course

Duration 1 week

1^st Year Fees €595.00

Choose your start date

20th July 2026 21st September 2026 9th November 2026