As the number of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) increases in the UK, the demand on teachers in mainstream schools is growing.
In a report published last week by the UK Parliament, “Over 1.6 million pupils in England were identified as having special educational needs (SEN) by the end of the 2023/24 academic year.”
With the majority of SEN pupils attending mainstream primary or secondary education – approximately 85% – there are increasing concerns about the provision for these children. Many mainstream schools are struggling with a lack of capacity, insufficient resources and in some cases, limited expertise as a result of ongoing funding challenges.
This situation directly affects teachers, who are passionate about delivering an inclusive, high-quality education to all pupils. As they face increasing pressures and challenges, many teachers are contemplating a move to SEN schools, where they can better support pupils with additional needs.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what it means to move from mainstream education to working in SEN settings. We’ll highlight the important considerations to keep in mind, the benefits of working in SEN schools, and how to successfully navigate this transition.
The Unique Environment of SEN Schools
Step inside an SEN classroom, and you’ll quickly notice the differences in both atmosphere and approach to learning. While all maintained schools are required to follow the National Curriculum, SEN schools have the freedom to adapt it to focus on the individual learning needs of each child.
These needs are categorised under the 4 main areas of SEN:
- Communication and interaction
- Cognition and learning
- Social, emotional and mental health difficulties
- Sensory and/or physical needs.
Lessons are tailored to accommodate different learning styles, using hands-on activities, visual aids, and supportive technologies and devices as part of daily routines.
The emphasis isn’t just on academic success; it’s also about supporting each child’s emotional and social development too. This supportive environment creates a sense of belonging and allows students to progress at their own pace, in all areas of their development.
The Advantages of Working in SEN Schools
Working in SEN schools comes with its own set of benefits, and there are many reasons why teachers find these roles fulfilling.
Smaller Class Sizes and Increased Adult Support
As a teacher, one of the biggest advantages of working in an SEN school is the smaller class sizes, meaning that you have more time to focus on individual learning needs and tailor your approach to suit each child.
There’s also increased adult support within the classroom, with a higher ratio of teaching staff to students. This extra support allows for more focused intervention and one-on-one time with the children, to ensure that their learning needs are met. While working with outside agencies and other SEN professionals means that you get ongoing expert advice, so that you know you’re supporting your students in the right way.
The Rewarding Nature of Supporting Students with Additional Needs
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping students with additional needs overcome challenges and achieve their personal goals. In an SEN school, you’re not just teaching the curriculum—you’re helping students build life skills, gain confidence, and grow emotionally. Each small achievement feels monumental because you know how much work has gone into it.
Opportunities for Specialised Training and Professional Growth
SEN schools often offer greater opportunities for specialised training, which can be a significant advantage for your professional development. This focus may allow you to become an expert in a specific area, which could lead into more specialised roles in your career.
You also get to work more closely with a range of other professionals, such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Educational Psychologists, than you would in mainstream education. This collaborative work will also help to increase your own knowledge and understanding of SEN and grow professionally.
The Challenges
While there are many rewards of teaching in SEN schools, it’s important to acknowledge that there are also challenges that come with it.
Demands of the Role
Supporting students with additional needs can sometimes be emotionally demanding, especially when you need to help them cope with their struggles or frustrations. It requires resilience and self-awareness, as you’ll need to manage your own emotions while providing a stable and supportive environment for your students. It’s essential to detach yourself at the end of the day and take time to unwind, ensuring that those emotions don’t spill over into your home life.
Balancing Diverse Needs
Balancing the diverse needs of individual students within the class can be a delicate juggling act. Each child will have their own EHCP (Education Health Care Plan) with specific targets and strategies to meet them. Being able to adapt your teaching methods and interventions to accommodate these plans is essential. This requires consistent assessment and flexibility in order to support each child in their progress.
Managing Paperwork and Resource Limitations
Another challenge teachers face in SEN schools is the management of paperwork, administrative tasks and resource limitations. With demands from the need for tailored support, data collection and EHCP reviews, paperwork can pile up quickly. Additionally, like in mainstream education, SEN schools may face budget constraints that impact the availability of resources and support services. This means teachers often need to be creative and resourceful, finding ways to deliver quality education despite these limitations.
Essential Skills, Qualities, and Qualifications
When working in an SEN school, teachers must have QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), while there are no specific qualifications required for teaching assistants. However, having a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification can be beneficial. What really matters are the skills and personal qualities that you bring to the role. No additional or specific SEN qualifications are needed.
You’ll need to show patience, empathy and understanding every day, as you’ll be working with children who each have their own unique challenges. Being flexible is just as important as things can change quickly, and your ability to adapt will go a long way in helping students succeed. Above all, being passionate about inclusion and believing that every child deserves the right support and opportunities is essential.
Navigating the Transition to SEN Schools
Thinking about making the move to SEN teaching? It’s helpful to start by learning as much as you can about the specific needs of SEN students. Taking the time to understand the variety of challenges they face, along with different strategies to support them, will make you feel more prepared and confident when you step into the classroom.
Gaining experience through supply teaching or fixed-term contracts is a great way to test the waters without the pressure of a long-term commitment. These roles let you explore various settings, work with different age groups, and develop your skills at your own pace. Plus, it gives you the chance to see if working in an SEN environment is the right fit for you.
At Apple A Day Supply, we provide flexible opportunities that can help teachers transition into SEN schools. From supply teaching roles to more long term and permanent placements, we can connect you with schools that align with your goals and interests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a teacher contemplating the transition to SEN schools, know that this journey can be incredibly rewarding. You have the potential to create a lasting impact in the lives of students who need it most. Plus, the sense of community in SEN schools is often stronger, thanks to the collaborative spirit and ongoing support amongst staff members.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you explore opportunities in SEN schools, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Contact Us