How to get into special educational needs teaching and tutoring

If you’re passionate about working with children and making a real difference in the lives of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), a career in SEN teaching or tutoring could be the perfect path for you.

This field requires dedication, specialist training, and the ability to adapt to different learning styles. Whether you want to teach in a school, support students in small groups, or become a one-to-one tutor, this guide outlines the key qualifications, training courses, and experience you need to get started.

Qualifications and Training for SEN Teaching

To become an SEN teacher in a mainstream or special school, you will need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This can be achieved in several ways:

• Completing an undergraduate degree with QTS (such as a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a BA/BSc with QTS).
• Studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) if you already have a degree in another subject.

If you are certain that SEN teaching is the right career for you, look for courses that offer specialist SEN training as part of their programme.

🔗 Find accredited teacher training courses in the UK – Get Into Teaching

Specialist Training for SEN Teachers

While QTS qualifies you to teach in most schools, further specialist training in SEN can help you support students more effectively and improve your employability.

• The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination  (NASENCO) is a legal requirement for teachers who want to become Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) in mainstream schools.
• A Master’s in Special and Inclusive Education provides a deeper understanding of supporting children with SEND.
• Short courses in autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other SEND conditions help SEN teachers work more effectively with children who have specific needs.

Gaining these additional qualifications can enhance your skills and make you more competitive in the job market.

🔗 Explore SEN-specific qualifications and training – National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN)

Gaining Experience in SEN Teaching and Tutoring

Practical experience is crucial for building a successful career in SEN education. Here are some ways to gain relevant experience:

• Teaching Placements – If you are training to be a teacher, aim for placements in special schools or mainstream schools with specialist SEN units.
• Teaching Assistant Roles – Working as an SEN teaching assistant (TA) can provide hands-on experience before becoming a teacher.
• Volunteering – Charities and educational organisations often have opportunities to work with children with SEND in small groups or one-to-one settings.

The more experience you gain in different SEN environments, the better prepared you will be to adapt your teaching approach to meet individual learning needs.

🔗 Find volunteer opportunities in SEN education – Scope UK

The more experience you gain in different SEN environments, the better prepared you will be to adapt your teaching approach to meet individual learning needs.

Key Skills and Personal Qualities for SEN Teaching

Beyond formal qualifications, SEN teachers and tutors need a range of key skills and personal attributes:

✔ Patience & Empathy – Supporting students with SEND requires understanding and flexibility.
✔ Creativity – Lessons often need to be adapted to suit different learning styles.
✔ Strong Communication – Working with children, parents, and other educators requires clear and effective communication.
✔ Resilience & Problem-Solving – SEN teaching can be challenging, so being adaptable and solution-focused is crucial.

🔗 Read more about the qualities of a great SEN tutor – Powertutors Blog

Professional Development

Once you’re qualified and working in the field, continuous professional development (CPD) is important to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. This could involve attending workshops or seminars, further study, or undertaking research in a specific area of SEN.

Becoming an SEN Tutor

Some children with special educational needs find traditional classrooms difficult and benefit from extra one-to-one or small group support. If you prefer a more flexible role, becoming an SEN tutor could be a great option.

Unlike classroom teaching, SEN tutoring doesn’t require QTS, though having educational experience is highly beneficial. Many SEN tutors have a background in teaching or have completed specialist training courses in SEND.

As an SEN tutor, you will:

• Work closely with students with special educational needs, tailoring lessons to their specific needs.
• Provide support in core subjects while focusing on individual progress rather than a rigid curriculum.
• Offer personalised teaching in a more relaxed and focused learning environment.

At Powertutors, we specialise in recruiting expert SEN tutors. If you’re interested in working with children in a one-to-one setting, we’d love to hear from you.

🔗 Apply to become an SEN tutor with Powertutors – Join Powertutors

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in SEN Education

Once you have qualified as an SEN teacher or tutor, it’s important to continue developing your skills. Some options for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) include:

• Attending SEN training courses focused on specific learning disabilities.
• Participating in workshops and conferences on inclusive education.
• Furthering your studies with postgraduate qualifications in special educational needs.

🔗 Browse CPD courses for SEN professionals – The Open University

CPD helps you stay up to date with the latest best practices in SEN education and improves your ability to support students effectively.

Final Thoughts

A career in SEN teaching or tutoring is a rewarding way to support children with SEND and help them achieve their full potential. By gaining the right qualifications, training, and experience, you can make a real difference in the lives of students with additional learning needs.

Whether you are interested in teaching in a school or becoming a specialist tutor working one-to-one, there are many opportunities to develop a meaningful and fulfilling career.

Interested in SEN Tutoring?

Powertutors specialises in matching dedicated tutors with students who need extra support. Get in touch with us today to start your journey in SEN tutoring!

🔗 Contact Powertutors – www.powertutors.co.uk