Qualifications in SEN etc

[Anna85]

Since my DS was diagnosed I have enjoyed finding out about SEN and ASD etc and would really like to train in a area which would help other people.

Does anyone know how you go about getting into that line of work or what careers I could do etc?

I think it all depends on what interests you and what it is you eventually want to do.

Sorry that's a bit ambiguous - but jobs can range from those that require few academic qualifications to those which will require academic study.

Are you interested in the social care aspect, educational, legal, psychological, social work, policy?

I do like social work and pyschology but I think both are so hard to get into without A Levels etc!

How about training as a Teaching Assistant? You can start by volunteering and getting your NVQ2 and specialising in supporting DC with SEN and/or statements.

Volunteering is often the way in. Try your parent partnership branch, any local SN projects, or offer your services to local schools, to come in and support children with additional needs. It'd give you the experience you need.

I went to uni with no A levels. Similar to you I wanted to find out more. I wanted to find out how SEN fitted into education and why so many people with SEN ended up in prison.

I did a years Access course at college then went onto do Social Policy and Criminology. There were other mature students at Uni who had no A levels, nor did they do an Access course prior to applying. Personally I wouldn't recommend doing a degree without some prior study.

If social work, or something in psychology appeals there is no reason why you cannot do it.