How to Gain SEN Classroom Experience Before Applying

Thinking about a career supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the UK? Whether you’re aiming for a teaching assistant post, a graduate teaching internship, or a trainee teacher route, having hands-on SEN classroom experience will make your application stronger and your first term feel far less daunting. Here’s how to get meaningful, CV-ready experience—even if you’re starting from scratch.

Why SEN Classroom Experience Matters

Schools want candidates who understand the realities of inclusive education. Practical experience helps you demonstrate that you can support pupils with a range of needs—such as autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, dyslexia, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs—while working effectively with teachers, SENCos and parents.

Time in a classroom or education setting lets you practice positive behaviour support, adapt resources, scaffold learning, and communicate using visual timetables or alternative communication approaches where needed. You’ll see how Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are implemented day to day, and how safeguarding procedures are followed. All of this gives you specific examples to use in interviews and personal statements.

Routes to Get Real-World SEN Experience

You don’t need a full-time job to start building your SEN skillset. Many candidates combine small, regular commitments with short placements to create a strong portfolio of experience. Consider a mix of mainstream and specialist settings so you can compare approaches and demonstrate versatility.

• Volunteer in a local primary or secondary school supporting pupils with identified needs. 
• Offer classroom support through a supply or education agency to gain day-to-day or short-term assignments. 
• Support after-school clubs, homework clubs, breakfast clubs or holiday schemes that welcome pupils with SEND. 
• Volunteer with charities supporting children and young people with learning disabilities, autism or SEMH needs. 
• Provide tutoring or mentoring (in-person or online) with reasonable adjustments for learners with additional needs. 
• Shadow a SENCO, learning support assistant (LSA), speech and language therapist (SaLT), or pastoral lead to understand multi-agency practice. 

Volunteering in Schools: A Step-by-Step Guide

School volunteering is one of the most direct ways to gain SEN classroom experience. Here’s a practical route to get started in the UK:

1. Identify target schools: Look for mainstream schools with strong SEND provision, special schools, or alternative provision. Check school websites for SEND information and policies. 
2. Prepare your documents: A concise CV, a short cover note explaining why you want SEN experience, and two referees. Note any safeguarding or first aid training. 
3. Make first contact: Email the school office politely asking to volunteer one morning/afternoon per week. Mention you’re happy to support in class, with small groups, or one-to-one. 
4. Discuss safeguarding: Schools will guide you on vetting. Many will arrange or require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Learn more about DBS checks at GOV.UK. 
5. Set clear goals: Share what you hope to learn (e.g., using visual supports, supporting sensory regulation, differentiating tasks). Ask if you can observe and assist across different classes. 
6. Show reliability: Arrive early, dress professionally, follow instructions, and maintain confidentiality at all times. 
7. Request feedback: Ask the class teacher or SENCO for brief feedback every few weeks and whether they’d be happy to provide a reference. 

Build Experience Beyond the Classroom

Valuable SEN experience also comes from community, charity, and family support settings—often with flexible hours that fit around your current job or studies.

• Charities: Explore opportunities with the National Autistic Society, Mencap, Scope, and Ambitious about Autism. 
• Youth services and short breaks: Local authorities and youth clubs often run inclusive activities and respite schemes where you can support young people with SEND. 
• Sports and arts clubs: Inclusive dance, drama, or football sessions provide experience in adapting instructions and supporting sensory needs in busy environments. 
• Tutoring and mentoring: Offer tailored support that incorporates visual aids, chunked instructions, movement breaks, and assistive technology. 

These roles build your practical skills—communication, de-escalation, and differentiated instruction—which transfer directly to school settings.

Supply and Agency Work: Fast-Track Exposure to Diverse Settings

Registering with a reputable education agency can secure day-to-day or short-term learning support roles. This is an efficient way to experience different schools, key stages and needs profiles in a short time.

• Ask agencies about SEN-specific placements, trial days, and in-house training (e.g., behaviour strategies, Team Teach-style positive handling, or autism awareness). 
• Keep a log of your placements, strategies used, and outcomes—vital for interviews and applications. 
• Clarify expectations on start times, dress code, and responsibilities before each assignment to help you settle quickly. 

When you’re ready to apply for permanent posts, browse UK roles via Teaching Vacancies (GOV.UK) and local authority job boards.

Boost Your Knowledge with Free CPD and Self-Study

Complement hands-on experience with credible training and reading so you can speak confidently about best practice and policy during interviews.

• Safeguarding and child protection: The NSPCC offers recognised courses; most schools require up-to-date training. 
• SEND policy: Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice to understand terminology, statutory duties and EHCP processes. 
• Inclusive classroom strategies: Explore resources from nasen and the Autism Education Trust. 
• Assistive technology: Read about text-to-speech tools, visual supports, and alternative input devices to support access and independence. 
• Behaviour and SEMH: Learn low-arousal approaches, co-regulation, and restorative practices to support positive behaviour. 

Even short micro-courses add credibility to your CV and show commitment to professional growth.

What to Do During Your Placement to Maximise Learning

Once you’ve secured a voluntary or paid placement, be intentional about what you observe and practise. The aim is to leave with clear evidence of impact and skills you can reference later.

• Ask for key documents: With permission, review anonymised IEP targets or pupil profiles to understand support strategies. 
• Practice differentiation: Adapt tasks by simplifying language, breaking work into smaller steps, and offering choices. 
• Use visuals and routines: Try timetables, now/next boards, and visual cue cards to support understanding and transitions. 
• Support regulation: Observe sensory breaks, calm corners, and movement routines used to maintain focus and wellbeing. 
• Record reflections: Keep short notes on strategies used and their impact—great material for STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples in interviews. 

Showcase Your Experience on Applications

Turn your experience into strong evidence that aligns with typical person specifications for SEN roles in UK schools.

• Be specific: “Supported a Y4 pupil with an EHCP for autism using visual schedules—reduced transition anxiety and increased on-task time by 15%.” 
• Evidence safeguarding: Note your safeguarding training date and your awareness of reporting procedures and confidentiality. 
• Highlight collaboration: Describe working with class teachers, SENCos, therapists and parents to support consistent strategies. 
• Match keywords: Include terms like “differentiation,” “reasonable adjustments,” “communication aids,” and “positive behaviour support.” 
• Secure references: Ask a teacher, SENCO, or placement lead to provide a reference emphasising reliability, initiative and rapport with pupils. 

Common Questions From UK SEN Applicants

Do I need a DBS before I approach a school? Many schools will initiate the DBS once they agree in principle to your placement. If you already hold an Enhanced DBS with the Update Service, mention this in your email. Learn more about the Update Service at GOV.UK.

How many hours count as “enough” experience? There’s no fixed rule, but 20–40 hours across a few weeks can give you substantial insight. Aim for consistency (e.g., one morning a week for a half term) so you can build relationships and see progress.

Can non-school experience help? Absolutely. Youth work, childcare, coaching, or care roles offer transferable skills—communication, de-escalation, and adaptive planning—that are highly valued in SEN support posts.

Quick Checklist Before You Apply

• At least one recent school-based or youth-setting experience supporting pupils with SEND. 
• Up-to-date safeguarding/child protection training and awareness of school policies. 
• Referees who can speak to your reliability, professionalism and impact with pupils. 
• Clear examples of differentiation, communication strategies and behaviour support. 
• Basic knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and the role of the SENCO/EHCPs. 

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to local schools to arrange a short placement, register with a trusted education agency for SEN support roles, and keep an eye on vacancies via Teaching Vacancies. Building your SEN classroom experience now will help you stand out—and make a real difference from day one.