Exploring SEN teaching roles
Special educational needs teaching roles are paramount in ensuring that students with diverse learning needs receive the support and guidance necessary for their academic and personal development. In this blog, we’ll dive into the various roles within SEN teaching, including their responsibilities and corresponding salaries.
What is a special educational needs teacher?
A SEN teacher works with students who have special educational needs and disabilities, including autism, emotional and behavioural disorders, and learning disabilities or difficulties. The SEN teacher works in the classroom to help children and young people learn appropriate social skills and assist them with their academic work. In addition, they create bespoke lesson plans for each student based on their individual abilities.
Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may attend mainstream or special education needs (SEN) schools, depending on the level of support they require. SEN teachers work alongside other professionals to support these students and their families throughout their educational journey.
The salary for SEN teachers varies based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location. In the UK, SEN teachers can expect to earn between £28,000 - £38,810 per year , with higher salaries often reflecting additional responsibilities or leadership positions within schools.
What is the role of a SEN teaching assistant?
SEN teaching assistants help children with special educational needs and disabilities to reach their full potential. They support teachers in engaging children in the curriculum whilst also helping pupils to develop their social and emotional skills.
A SEN teaching assistant typically works with children aged 5-18 alongside education providers and other professionals who aid their development. They provide individual and group support, becoming a trusted source of guidance for pupils with diverse personal and learning requirements. The job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children.
What is a SENCo, and how do they fit into a school setting?
SENCo stands for Special Educational Needs Coordinator, essentially a member of the teaching staff who is responsible for special educational needs within a school. Every school in the UK is required to have a SENCo to ensure that all children with special educational needs receive the necessary support to help them reach their full potential.
SENCOs, who must be qualified teachers, form part of the leadership team and oversee the strategic development of SEN policy and provision. They also ensure the day-to-day implementation of SEN policies.
They are a key point of contact for colleagues, offering support and advice in identifying students’ needs and implementing suitable provisions to meet those needs. Through provision management, they maintain an overview of pupils' progress with SEND and seek to develop practices to ensure the effectiveness of interventions and support.
What is an SEN support worker?
SEN support roles provide assistance on a full-time or part-time basis, ensuring children with SEND get the support they need and deserve. They work with teachers and parents to identify their students' strengths and weaknesses and implement the strategies required to help them succeed.
An SEN support worker can work with students in schools, other educational settings, or within the home environment. They will often be involved in helping develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which identifies what special attention is required from the school and which strategies will help a student towards success. The SEN support worker tracks the student's progress and reports to teachers, parents, and other professionals.