If you are just beginning to teach in London, it might be an idea to visit an SEN (Special Educational Needs) school before your first teaching day because sometimes the reality is quite different to what you had imagined. To work in special needs, it helps to be an enthusiastic and generous person with a good sense of humour. It can be a very rewarding role with a new challenge every day… so enjoy!

Classroom works with a wide range of special needs schools. They are broken down into the following categories :

1. MLD – Moderate Learning Difficulties. These schools have around 12 students per class with at least one learning support assistant. An MLD school may include students with dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorders and communication difficulties. Mainstream teachers who enjoy working in learning support and enjoy giving that little bit of extra time to the students may enjoy an MLD environment.

2. SLD – Severe Learning Difficulties and Complex Needs. These special schools have around 7 students in a class and two learning support assistants. The students may not be able to read and write and could have limited speech. Some students may be physically disabled or suffer from a medical condition for which they may need special attention. These schools usually have autistic students who may display challenging behaviour.

3. PMLD – Profound and Multiple Learning Disorders. Often in classes within an SLD School, these students will be wheelchair bound and are extremely dependant. They may have severe medical conditions and need medical assistance.

Teachers who work in SLD and PMLD schools are often very proactive and creative in their approach.

4. EBD – Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties and PRU’s (Pupil Referral Units). Both EBD schools and PRU’s have around 6 students in a class with one learning support assistant. Pupils are usually referred from mainstream schools when they need further support. They often have social difficulties and display challenging behaviour. Strong teachers who can adjust their teaching style are often suitable for these schools. It also might help to have an interest in social work as you could become involved in other issues besides your subject specialism.

Whatever type of school you teach in, please remember that, whilst Learning Support Assistants are there to help and assist you, as the teacher in charge, you are responsible for managing the learning and preparing the activities.