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QQI Level 5

Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5

Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5
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Intensive short course
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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
Select start date
1st Year Fees €595.00
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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.

 

QQI

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 

Option 1 – Start 13th April 2026

Commencing 13th April 2026 until 17th April 2026, this is a one week intensive course with interactive webinars, delivered online Monday – Friday 10am – 12.30pm.

 

Option 2 – 20th July 2026

Option 3 – 21st September 2026

 

This course has been specifically designed to be delivered online with live lectures.

Webinars are recorded and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date.

 

Course materials are structured to be accessed on a daily basis and are available to download from our eLearning platform as you progress through the course.

 

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.

 

 

 

Industry Partners

 

 

 

 

There are no previous academic or experience requirements for this course.
  1. 1
    Complete the online application form.
  2. 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

Who else has studied this course?

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Special Needs Assisting
Evelyn Shortall – Irish Dancing Teacher Studying SNA ‘It’s Unbelievable the Confidence it Has Given Me’
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Special Needs Assisting
Sarah Dillon – Registered Nurse Makes a Fresh Start with Career Change to SNA
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Early Years Special Needs Assisting
Mairead O’Keeffe-Dumoulin – Career Change to Follow Her Passion for Helping Others

Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5 FAQs

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 the awarding body (QQI).

A major award is made up of multiple modules and represents a full qualification, allowing you to progress into employment or further study.

Is attendance at classes mandatory?

Classes are delivered as live, tutor-led webinars. 10AM-12:30PM

Attendance is recommended, but all sessions are recorded so you can review them at a time that suits you.

How are classes delivered?

Classes are delivered online through live webinars.

These sessions are interactive and designed to fit around your work and personal commitments.

Is work experience required as part of the course?

Yes. Work experience is included as part of the course requirements.

Each module typically involves around 20 hours of placement, supporting your learning and assignment work.

What kind of assignments will I complete?

Assessment is based on continuous coursework rather than final exams.

You may complete:

  • Learning journals
  • Written assignments
  • Reports

These are designed to help you apply your learning in a practical way.

Are there final exams?

No. There are no final exams.

Assessment is based on continuous coursework completed throughout the programme. You will also have ample time after the course finishes to complete and submit your assignments.

Can I study this course while working?

Yes. These courses are designed as intensive programmes to support learners balancing study with work and other commitments.

Each session is recorded to ensure that learners have full access to course notes as they are working through their assignments.

Recorded sessions also allow you to 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.

Speak to an expert

 

 

Jennifer Matteazzi

I love the interaction with students.  Every day I get to meet different individuals and learners who are looking to change their lives and I get to be the person who advises them on the best programme to take. It is a fantastic feeling to be part of their journey. For many learners this is a huge decision and I get to be the person who supports them in it. There is an incredible sense of pride when I see our learners graduate and achieve their education goals.

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Our Partners

UOE
LJMU
HSU
IWFM
LMU
Approved QQI Award Provider