The role of an SNA (Special Needs Assistant)

Within the Autistic Spectrum Disorder, in which  pupil A suffers from Asperger's syndrome, the SNA is a facilitator she/he must make the pupils learning experience a more all round easier and pleasurable experience. The role of an SNA includes :

The post of Resource Teacher is an additional post allocated to assist a school or cluster of schools in providing an education which meets the needs of children assessed as having disabilities. Under direction of the relevant Principal, the role of the resource Teacher is to provide additional teaching support for these children who have been fully integrated into mainstream schools and who need such support.

• Assessing and recording pupils needs and progress

• Setting specific, time-related targets for each child and agreeing these with the class teacher and even possible the principal

• Directing teaching of the children,either in a separate or within the mainstream class.

• Advising class teachers in regard to adapting the curriculum. Teaching strategies, suitable textbooks,use of Information Technology and suitable software and a range of other related matters.

•  Possible meeting and advising parents, when necessary, accompanied by the class teacher if and as necessary.

• Short meetings with other relevant professionals. In the childrens' interest- e.g. psychologists, speech and language therapists,visiting teachers, special school of special class teachers. 

Depending on the general learning disability of the pupil  each SNA is  given a certain numbers of one on one teaching to each pupil for example:

• For a physical disability a certain pupil will require approx. 3 hours of time with the SNA.
 

• For a hearing impairment a certain pupil will require 4 hours of time with the SNA.

• For severe emotional disturbance or multiple disabilities a pupil will require 5 hours of time with an SNA.

• Pupils suffering from Autism/autistic Spectrum disorders are entitled to 5 hours worth of time with an SNA.

I will further look at other special needs services through my later blogs and also in relation to other to other disabilities that I will encounter in my future teaching in other schools