Assignment Details:

The assignment will comprise of four parts and should clearly demonstrate understanding in the following areas:

1. The role and responsibilities of the Special Needs Assistant
2. The qualities and skills of an effective Special Needs Assistant
3. Legislation
4. Refection on personal practice

To protect confidentiality and anonymity, do not make any reference to the names of individuals or the educational setting. In addition, and under no circumstance should the identifies of any persons, other than the learner, be disclosed.

Instructions:

Construct your Learner Record under each of the (4) headings below. To give yourself the best possible opportunity of achieving 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 in accordance with 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.

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.

3. Legislation

a) Provide a summary of the following legislation pertaining to special educational needs and disability.

• The Equal Status Acts (2000-2015)
• Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act (2004)
• The Disability Act (2005)
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  (2006).

b) Outline examples of how the above relevant legislation was 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

• Reflect on working with children and members of the multidisciplinary team
  evaluating how an SNA can ensure the children’s individuality and independence is promoted and their needs are met.
• Reflect on your learning 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.
• Provide a clear, relevant and critical analysis of any issues identified in the placement setting and/or broader issues relevant to the education system and suggest recommendations for improving practice/policy.