Special Needs Assistant QQI Level 5 | 5N1786

Course modules
5N1786	SNA

Contact Details

Balbriggan: 01 841 7763 kevinmccabe@ddletbaes.ie

Swords: 01 8408 946 rebeccarudden@ddletbaes.ie

5N1786

Applications for January 2026 are open! Click the links to apply

Swords Mondays 18:00 – 21:15

Swords Wednesdays 09:30 – 11:45

Swords Thursdays 09:30 – 11:45

Balbriggan Saturdays 09:30 – 11:45

Balbriggan Saturdays 12:00 – 14:15

Please note, all class times and days can be subject to change

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 January 2026 and will finish in May 2026. Students will have holidays during the February midterm break and Easter.

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.