How do I become a special needs teacher?

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Hi, I'm well educated - despite lack of degree - and have worked in management consultancy for over 11 years. I want go back to work now but want to do something more 'worthy' and fulfilling. In the past I have volunteered in mentoring troubled inner city children (often ones with learning difficulties). I have a nephew and a godchild with dispraxia and autism respectively - hence the added interest.

I live in London. Some form of further education with a combination of distance learning or part time schedule would be ideal to help with the childcare situation (or lack thereof).

Any suggestions welcome - thanks

To become a special needs teacher I think you would first need to be a teacher. This means you need a degree and a course that confers QTS (qualified teacher status). There are lots of roles now for teachers assistants, special needs assistants which generally require an NVQ or similar.

Yes need to be a teacher first and then do a further course. I know dyslexia teachers need to have been teaching for 2 years before they can train.

You will need a degree to be a teacher in the first instance. Most secondary teachers have a subject degree and they then need either a PGCE or a GTP to qualify them for a teaching post. The alternative is to do a B Ed degree and many of these are 4 years long.

The OU would allow you to train at a distance and do both first degrees and PGCE courses in some subjects. While doing teh PGCE you would be entitled to all th grant funding that is available for a 'normal' PGCE.

You could also go the GTP route, where (after getting your degree) you teach in a school or a reduced timetable and train on the job. You get paid in the region of £10000 for the year.

Once qualified (which takes another year following your PGCE) you can apply for further training as a SENCO

You have to be a teacher first and then, unfortunately, it is very costly to become qualified in special needs.
I would love to do it but I would have to fund the course and the cheapest that I have found is £4000. The only way to do it without cost is to have a full time teaching job and hope that they want a SENCO and are willing to pay for your training. I only work part time, or do supply work, so a school is not going to fund me.
I have discussed this with various people in education and haven't found a solution. If anyone knows how I could gain the extra qualification, without personal cost, please let me know.

Where do you live Abbey A?

The East Berkshire College is the cheapest course I have found-at Maidenhead. I would be willing to travel in the Thames Valley region.

Right.Apparently MMU have free masters courses next year. Bit too far though I'd imagine!

It is a bit far! However thanks for the suggestion-I will see if anywhere else does one free. I could probably manage London.

Many LSAs in Special Schools have chosen this path because of friends or family they know having special needs. I was on placement recently at a special school, and they require a degree and PGCE/GTP, but if you were the right candidate, that would suffice. Further training would be given as part of your prfessional development once you work there.