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Skills Bootcamp - Special Educational Needs Learning Support

This course offers an introduction to supporting individuals with disabilities and special educational needs, giving you the knowledge and skills to begin your journey in learning support in a college environment and will offer the opportunity of an interview with a recognised employer.

Course details

Course provider: Luminate Education Group – Leeds City College 

Eligibility: This is a fully funded* course suitable for any individual who would like to progress their career working as a learning support assistant in a college, supporting individuals with disabilities and special educational needs. This Bootcamp is available to residents of West Yorkshire, including the districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield. Applicants must be over 19 and have the right to work in the UK. 

*unless you are placing your own employees on the course, in which case a contribution of £450 to £1350 per learner is expected, depending on your company size. 

Entry requirements:

  • Level 2 English qualification (GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent).
  • Level 2 Maths qualification (GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent).
  • Strong written and oral communication skills in English. 

Industry: Education

Dates: From January 2026

Duration: 12 weeks

Venue: Leeds City College, Deacon House Centre, Seacroft Avenue, Leeds, LS14 6JD 

Course overview

Course Units and Modules 

  • Introduction to Disability and Special Educational Needs
  • The role of the Learning Support Practitioner in SEND
  • Principles of Inclusive Practice and the Rights of Disabled Children and Young People and those with Special Educational Needs
  • Areas of Special Educational Need
  • Strategies for Supporting Individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Prerequisites

To ensure participants can fully engage with and benefit from the Skills Bootcamp, there are several prerequisites and requirements that need to be met. 

Suitability for working with children and vulnerable adults.  

  • Background Check: An enhanced DBS check will be carried out for all applicants to assess their suitability for employment in this sector.    

Educational Requirements:

  • The employer has asked for participants to have GCSE Maths and English Grade 4 and above Or
  • Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths. 

Technical Requirements:  

  • Device Access: You must have access to a computer or laptop with audio and video capabilities to participate in online learning components and virtual classroom sessions. 
  • Internet Connectivity: Reliable internet access is required to access Google classroom, online resources, live tutorials, and virtual classrooms. 
  • Specific software or platform access required for the course will be provided by Leeds City College.  

Participation and Commitment:  

  • Attendance: You must commit to attending all scheduled classroom sessions and online tutorials. Absences must be communicated in advance and made up per course policies. 
  • Coursework: Completion of all assigned coursework, including online modules, assignments, is required. 
  • Self-Directed Study: You should allocate additional time outside of guided learning hours for self-directed study, course reading, and portfolio development.  

Professional Conduct:  

  • You are expected to adhere to professional standards and codes of conduct that will be required when working in a school or college.  

Technical Skills:  

  • Basic digital literacy skills, such as the ability to use email, navigate online platforms, and create digital documents, are essential for engaging with the course content and delivery methods.  

Support and Accommodations:  

  • Leeds City College is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment. Those with specific needs, including disabilities or other learning needs, are encouraged to communicate these at the time of application so that appropriate accommodations and support can be arranged

What next?

  • Real Job Opportunities: Working as a Learning Support Assistant in a college.  
  • Gain the skills and confidence to apply for a job as a learning support assistant in SEND 
  • This course will enable you to apply for learning support assistant roles within local education providers, helping you to take steps towards a rewarding career in SEND.  

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