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The Adult Education Service Balbriggan and Swords is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

Special Needs Assistant QQI Level 5 | 5N1786

5N1786

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR SEPTEMBER 2025!

Balbriggan: SNA Level 5 (Saturdays, 9:30 – 11:45)

Balbriggan: SNA Level 5 (Saturdays, 12:00 – 14:15)

Swords: SNA Level 5 (Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11.45)

Swords: SNA Level 5 (Thursdays, 9:30 – 11.45)

Swords: SNA Level 5 (Mondays, 18.15 – 21.00) 

What will I learn?

This course provides students with the necessary skills and qualification to work as special needs assistants in primary schools and secondary schools.

How is this course taught?

This part time course is taught in person. Classes take place in the Castlemill Education Centre in Balbriggan, and in Burgundy House in Swords.

When will this course take place?

This course will start in September 2025 and will finish in January 2026. Students will have holidays during the October midterm break and Christmas.

Who can apply for this course?

Adults who live in the Fingal area, and who are interested in working as SNAs, can apply for this course. To ensure that you are offered a place on a course which is at the right level for you and appropriate to your learning needs all applicants are assessed prior to placement on the course. A high level of English language and IT skills are required for the course.

Am I eligible for course funding?

Students on this course are eligible for funding if:

  • they are an early school leaver, or
  • they are receiving a social welfare payment, or
  • they are receiving a carer’s payment, or
  • they have a medical card or G.P. card, or
  • they are signing for credits.

Work Experience

Work experience is a core element of this course. Students are required to complete 30 hours of work experience during this course, which they are required to organise themselves. Students must also be Garda vetted.

How do I apply?

  • Click the links below to apply online,
  • Call 01 841 7763 (Balbriggan) or 01 840 8946 (Swords) to apply over the phone,
  • Email kevinmccabe@ddletbaes.ie (Balbriggan) or rebeccarudden@ddletbaes.ie (Swords) if you have questions about the application process or would like more course information,
  • Visit our centres to apply in person. Locations can be found below.

Balbriggan

SNA Level 5 (Saturdays, 9:30 – 11:45)

SNA Level 5 (Saturdays, 12:00 – 14:15)

Swords

SNA Level 5 (Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11.45)

SNA Level 5 (Thursdays, 9:30 – 11.45)

SNA Level 5 (Mondays, 18.15 – 21.00) 

Centre Locations

7 The Plaza, Forster Way, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 W260

Burgundy House, Forster Way, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 YC60

Castlemill Education Centre, Balbriggan K32 P237

Sarsfield House, Balbriggan K32 KX82