7 Things You Need to Know about Working in Special Education
Click here to search our current SEN Jobs
Special education needs your support during the Covid19 lockdown
During these turbulent times, one thing is certain – all children and young people classed as ‘vulnerable' including those with special education needs (SEN), learning difficulties or disabilities and those who need extra support, are permitted to be in school. Therefore, many education provisions are very much still OPEN!
With special education in full swing (where safe and possible), here at Senploy we wanted to reassure you that there are hundreds of jobs available now, with more being added each day!
We have done a Q&A with some of our Special Education Recruitment partners who highlight the following:
Are staff still needed to work in special education despite Covid19?
“A high volume of SEN support staff is still needed, and we are completing interviews on Microsoft Teams. Our registration process has changed to a digital format so that candidates can upload pictures of their documents (e.g., Right to Work, DBS, proof of address), making the candidate journey much quicker and more efficient compared to previously. As an alternative to trial days, candidates complete a short video CV profile, so that while schools are closed, we can still showcase our candidates to the schools.” Learn more about how to implement positive mental health strategies for children in Special Education Needs (SEN).
Are special education recruiters still open during lockdown?
“In the special education division, I am continuing to work from home during the lockdown and my priority is sourcing candidates for a number of roles which are still expected to continue. Some schools may have reduced pupil numbers, but the demand for teaching and support staff is still high.”
What is a Special Educational Need (SEN)?
The term 'Special Educational Need' is used to describe learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for children to learn than most children of the same age. Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are likely to need extra or different help from that given to other children their age. There are a variety of broad and complex types of identified SEN including but not limited to, profound and multiple learning difficulty, autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, social-emotional and mental health, various medical conditions, moderate learning difficulties and to some extent, hearing impairments. Learn more about the importance of mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.
Is it worth volunteering to get some experience in SEN?
“Volunteering is a great way to gain experience within a special education provision and this is often a way of building up experience, showcasing your talent and often results in a paid position. Volunteering looks brilliant on a CV too! Schools will always be keen to take on volunteers and most SEN settings will tailor the experience to meet the needs of the individual.” Check our blog on the 8 reasons why you should consider working in special education.
How do I find a job in special education in my area?
Senploy is a job site specifically dedicated to jobs in special education across the UK and it's so simple to use! To search for SEN support, SEN Teaching and other opportunities to work in this area, simply go to our Special Education Needs and Disabilities Job Search page. In the ‘Search for Jobs' box at the top of the page, type your preferred location into the field (select from the dropdown) and press search!
What are the different types of job roles available on Senploy?
We have such a broad range of opportunities available on Senploy; from Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors, Residential Support Workers and such like, to SEN Teachers and subject specialist Tutors. More recently we have seen an increase in demand for Online Tutors, to address the demand for catch up provision due to school closures both across mainstream and specialist settings. Look at www.senploy.co.uk for further information.
What are the opportunities available in special education if I have a degree or specialist qualification?
It is easy to find a role working with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities if you have a relevant qualification. Opportunities for work include providing 1:1 support to children with a broad range of SEN including social and emotional needs, behavioural challenges, and autism. There are also more and more opportunities arising, delivering small pastoral focused sessions to children with various communication difficulties. Teacher training is also a very logical step to take the following attainment of qualification and experience in SEN.
So, there you have it, reassuring words from the experts as to how staff are still needed to work within the education sector and a quick round-up of the questions we're being asked right now. Could now be a good time for you to consider your career choice and explore a future working in SEND? Look at www.senploy.co.uk to find a position to suit you.
Click here to search our current SEN Jobs
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