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Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers are essential pillars within the education system, dedicated to ensuring that children with challenges receive tailored support to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

 

The role of an SEN teacher is highly specialised, requiring a blend of skills, patience, and creativity.

 

This guide provides an overview of what it takes to become an SEN teacher in the UK, covering everything from the responsibilities and skills required to qualifications, career prospects, and more. 

 What is an SEN Teacher?

 

An SEN teacher is a qualified professional who specialises in educating students with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These needs can encompass a broad spectrum, including:

 

  • Learning Disabilities: Such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other cognitive impairments.
  • Physical Disabilities: Including mobility challenges, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy.
  • Sensory Impairments: Such as hearing loss, visual impairments, or sensory processing disorders.
  • Communication Disorders: Including speech and language difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, and selective mutism.
  • Emotional and Behavioural Disorders: Such as ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or anxiety disorders.

 

SEN teachers work in a variety of educational settings, including mainstream schools, special schools, specialised units within mainstream schools, pupil referral units (PRUs), and sometimes in other educational settings like home schooling or residential care.

 

Learn more about the different types of SEN

Responsibilities of an SEN Teacher

 

The role of an SEN teacher is highly adaptive to the specific needs of their students. Responsibilities can vary significantly depending on the setting, the needs of the pupils, and the type of school, but generally include:

 

Planning and Delivering Tailored Lessons

SEN teachers must develop lesson plans that are adapted to the unique needs of their students. This involves adjusting the content, process, and expected outcomes of lessons to meet diverse learning needs.

 

Developing and Managing Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)

Each student with SEND often has an IEP, which is a document that outlines their learning goals and the strategies to achieve them. SEN teachers are responsible for assessing progress and updating the IEP as needed, in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other professionals.

Providing Emotional and Behavioural Support

SEN teachers play a vital role in helping students manage their emotions and behaviours, which can be particularly challenging for some students with SEND.

 

Collaboration with Other Professionals

Supporting students with SEND often requires a multidisciplinary approach. SEN teachers regularly collaborate with Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Counsellors.

 

Administrative Responsibilities

SEN teachers are also responsible for a range of administrative tasks, including record keeping and ensuring that the school meets all statutory obligations regarding SEND, including adhering to the SEND Code of Practice.

Skills Required for an SEN Teacher

 

Becoming a successful SEN teacher requires a broad range of skills, many of which are developed through formal training and hands-on experience. Key skills include:

 

Patience and Empathy

Understanding the unique challenges faced by students with SEND requires a deep sense of empathy and a patient approach. SEN teachers must be able to see the world from their students’ perspectives and respond to their needs with compassion.

 

Adaptability and Creativity

No two students with SEND are alike, even if they share the same diagnosis. SEN teachers need to be flexible in their approach, constantly adapting lesson plans and teaching strategies to suit the individual needs of each student. Creativity is often required to find new ways to engage students and make learning accessible and enjoyable.

Strong Communication Skills

Clear and effective communication is essential, not only with students but also with parents, guardians, and other professionals. SEN teachers must be able to convey complex information in an understandable way and listen carefully to the concerns and ideas of others.

 

Resilience and Stress Management

Working with students who have special educational needs can be emotionally and physically demanding. SEN teachers need to be resilient and capable of managing stress, both for their own well-being and to provide a stable, positive environment for their students.

 

Organisation and Time Management

The administrative aspects of the role, such as developing IEPs, record keeping, and attending meetings, require strong organisational skills. Effective time management is crucial to balance these duties with the day-to-day demands of teaching.

Qualifications and Education

 

To become an SEN teacher in the UK, specific educational qualifications and certifications are required.

 

Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

The first step towards becoming an SEN teacher is to complete an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme, which grants Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). ITT can be pursued through several routes:

 

  • Employment-based Routes: For example, Teach First is a programme where participants work as unqualified teachers while undergoing training to achieve QTS.

 

Specialisation in SEN

While some teachers enter the SEN field directly after obtaining QTS, many choose to further their expertise through specialised qualifications. Options include:

 

  • Postgraduate SEN Qualifications: Such as a PGCert or PGDip in Special Educational Needs Coordination, or other specialised courses focused on specific areas like autism or speech and language difficulties.
  • National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO): This is a statutory requirement for newly appointed SEN Coordinators (SENCOs) in mainstream schools. The NASENCO qualification is a postgraduate award that can be pursued while working in a SENCO role.

Work Experience

 

Gaining relevant experience is a vital step towards becoming an SEN teacher. This experience not only enhances your skills but also provides insight into the challenges and rewards of working with children with special needs. Valuable experience can be gained through:

 

Volunteering

Many aspiring SEN teachers volunteer in schools, charities, or organisations that work with children with disabilities. This experience can be useful for those who want to gain a practical understanding of the field.

 

Teaching Assistant Roles

Working as a teaching assistant, particularly in an SEN setting, offers hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the educational strategies used to support students with SEND. Click here to learn more about the role of a SEN teaching assistant.

 

Placements During ITT

Initial Teacher Training programmes typically include placements in a variety of educational settings, including SEN environments. These placements provide direct experience in applying your training to real-world scenarios.

Salary and Career Prospects

 

Salaries for SEN teachers in the UK can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of school. As of 2024, the general salary expectations are as follows:

 

Early Career Teachers (ECTs)

ECTs in SEN roles can expect to start with a salary ranging from £28,000 to £34,000, depending on location and the specific demands of the role. London-based teachers generally receive higher starting salaries due to the higher cost of living.

 

Experienced SEN Teachers

As teachers gain experience and additional qualifications, their salaries can rise to between £36,000 and £46,000. Those with significant experience and additional responsibilities, such as mentoring other teachers or leading SEN initiatives, may earn even more.

SEN Coordinators (SENCOs)

SENCOs typically earn between £38,000 and £52,000, depending on the size of the school and their level of experience. SENCOs in larger or more complex schools may earn more, particularly if they are also part of the school’s senior leadership team.

 

Leadership Roles

Teachers who advance to leadership positions, such as Head of SEN, Assistant Headteacher, or Deputy Headteacher, can expect to earn £55,000 to £75,000 or more, particularly in larger schools or those with a significant focus on special education.

Becoming an SEN teacher is a rewarding career that allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of young people with special educational needs.

 

The path to becoming an SEN teacher requires dedication, the right qualifications, and a passion for inclusive education. With the growing recognition of the importance of tailored support for students with SEND, the demand for skilled SEN teachers continues to rise, offering excellent career prospects and opportunities for professional growth.

 

If you are committed to helping all students reach their full potential, a career as an SEN teacher could be the perfect choice for you. Whether you are just starting your journey in education or looking to specialise further, the field of special education offers a fulfilling and impactful career.
 

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