SEN/autism training advice/mid life crisis!

[Happysea]

Hello
I wonder if anyone has any advice! I'm 38 and a primary teacher although don't work in a class but deliver specialist health education two days a week. I would love to work more but can't due to needing to be at home to support my hfa daughter get into school (my husband does this on my two days at work).

I feel like I'm having some sort of mid life crisis but at 39! I can't see me doing my (boring and no progression) job forever. But I can't apply for anything else at the moment due to the above constraints.

I would in an ideal world love to be a SENco or work directly with children with autism. I would love to use the Knowledge of Aspergers I've gained whilst helping my daughter to be able to help other people in a professional capacity. I may have the chance to change jobs when my daughter starts secondary. I will be 43 then and I was wondering whether there are any MA's or courses I can do between now and then so I am as employable as possible then? Does anyone have any ideas? I'd love to do an autism masters but not sure of the job prospects after. Thank you!

No advice but I'd be interested in any responses you get as I'm in a very similar situation.

All SENCOs now have to undertake, and complete, an MA level course within three years of starting a new role (those already in role are exempt, but will have to take course if they move on).

It has three MA level modules (including a research project). There's also a professional portfolio to submit. The course costs £1500 and is offered at a range of institutions.

I wouldn't say it's making me a better day to day SENCO as such... I may have a better understanding of under pinning legislation than others that haven't taken the course though.

Since it's a requirement now anyway if you're looking for a course that will enable SENCO job prospects for the future it could be a start.

www.nasen.org.uk/about/partnerships/

Would something like a MSc in Applied Behavioural Analysis fit what you are looking for? Or there are a lot of MA courses in Autism Studies