Instructions:
Construct your Learner Record under each of the (4) headings below. To give yourself the best possible opportunity to achieve maximum marks, please ensure that you address all the necessary information as requested.
1. Outline the role and responsibilities of the Special Needs Assistant.
a) List (briefly) the nine primary care needs requiring SNA support and the six secondary care associated tasks under the Department of Education and Skills SNA scheme (DES circular 0030/2014).
b) Using this list, you are required to reflect on your own role in any two of the activities/tasks that you have been involved with during your time spent at placement.*
*Note – if you have not completed the placement element at this point, you may draw on course learning and your own research to reflect on how a SNA can effectively support a child in any in any two of the activities/tasks.
2. Describe two personal qualities of an effective Special Needs Assistant.
a) Drawing on readings/online research, discuss the importance of two essential personal qualities to the work of professionals supporting children with special educational needs.
b) Reflect on and evaluate how you practiced these two personal qualities while supporting children in your placement setting.*
*Note, if you have not completed the placement element at this point, you may draw on your wider personal experience of these two personal qualities reflecting on how you can implement them when working in a SNA role.
3. Legislation.
a) Provide a summary of the following legislation pertaining to special educational needs and disability.
b) Outline examples of how the above relevant legislation were implemented in your placement setting thinking critically about any shortcomings in relation to issues and barriers such as funding, resources, training, access, inclusion, attitudes etc.*
4. Refection on personal practice.
a) Reflect on working with children and members of the multidisciplinary team evaluating how a SNA can ensure the children’s individuality and independence is promoted and their needs are met. *Note – if you have not completed the placement element at this point, you may draw on course learning, your own research and your wider experiences to discuss how a SNA can promote a child’s individuality and independence.
b) Reflect on yourlearning as a student SNA demonstrating an insight into your own personal development over the course of the SNA module. Include a detailed reflection on your experiences including any challenges you faced while working with children and/or learning about working with children with special educational needs. In addition, you should identify and evaluate your own personal strengths and weaknesses during placement and/or in your personal life that could impact, both positively and negatively, on your role in working with children with additional needs.
