Skills Bootcamp for SEND Support

COURSE

A Government funded, Level 3 programme for aspiring SEND Workers

The Skills Bootcamp in SEND Support is a Government funded, 8-week Level 3 programme designed to equip adult learners with the essential knowledge and skills required to work as Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) or classroom support staff in schools, nurseries, and special schools.

Learners benefit from optional work experience in local schools and a fast-track interview process at the end of the course, including opportunities for roles within schools and nurseries.

This fully funded Skills Bootcamp is available to individual learners—whether you are employed, unemployed, or self-employed—at no cost. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain the skills, practical experience, and direct access to employment opportunities in the SEND sector.

The programme is also available to schools and nurseries looking to upskill their staff. Employers can train their staff members at a fraction of the usual cost, contributing just 10% of the total course fee if they are an SME, or 30% for larger organisations. This represents outstanding value—roughly equivalent to the cost of a standard first aid course—while providing a comprehensive professional development programme designed to build expertise in supporting children with special educational needs.

All Upcoming Dates

Skills Bootcamp for SEND Support

Qualification Overview

The Skills Bootcamp blends live virtual classrooms (3 days per week) with in-person support and workshops, creating an engaging, practical learning experience led by experienced educators.

This comprehensive programme includes Paediatric First Aid and First Aid for Youth Mental Health, FAA accredited and delivered in person — a valuable skill for those wishing to work with children with SEND. The course prepares learners for real-world scenarios in schools and lays a strong foundation for career progression.

The programme also includes an SEND Tools Workshop, providing learners with practical strategies and resources to effectively support children with special educational needs in educational settings. In addition, an Employability Workshop delivered by a professional recruiter from Worldwide Education Recruitment covers CV writing, interview techniques, and mock interviews to help learners prepare for real job opportunities.

Course Content

Module	GLH
Understand Safeguarding Children and Young People	25
Children with SEND	29
Support Learning of Children and Young People with SEND	25
Factors Affecting Children’s Mental Health	29
FAA Level 3 Paediatric First Aid	12
FAA Level 2 First Aid for Youth Mental Health	6
Immediate Management of Anaphylaxis	6
Practical SEND Strategies Workshop	6
Employability Skills Workshops	6
Total Guided Learning Hours	144

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:

Understand safeguarding children and young people with SEND and their wellbeing
Understand child development with focus on children with SEND
Understand the context of supporting children with learning and physical disabilities
Understand children and young people’s mental health
Respond appropriately to paediatric first aid situations.
Respond appropriately to mental health first aid situations.
Prepare CVs and practise for interviews effectively.
Understand vetting and compliance requirements in education recruitment.

FUNDING CRITERIA

Funded by local Councils and supported by the DWP, this Skills Bootcamp is completely free for eligible learners and offers a clear route into employment or apprenticeships.

Please contact the office to enquire about funding available in your area.

Individuals

Learners must be aged 19 or older on the first day of training.
Must have Right to Work in the UK
Must meet residency requirements
Have not undertaken another Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months
Can be unemployed, self-employed or employed (if employed must confirm that they are willing to take the guaranteed interview and intend to change career)

Self-Employed

Learners must be aged 19 or older on the first day of training.
Must have Right to Work in the UK
Must meet residency requirements
Have not undertaken another Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months
Self-Employed learners must confirm how they will utilise the Skills Bootcamp to develop their business or change to a new role

Employed (co-funded)

Learners must be aged 19 or older on the first day of training.
Must have Right to Work in the UK
Must meet residency requirements
Have not undertaken another Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months
Employers must be based within the Region funding the programme and must contribute to the costs of the training (10% for SME, 30% for larger companies)
Employers must confirm that the intended outcome for their staff is the progression to a new job role within their company or enhance their existing role with additional responsibilities

Progression opportunities

Learners can progress into a Level 3 Apprenticeship or directly into employment.

The programme includes a fast-track interview with local schools and nurseries, enabling learners to quickly transition from training into employment.

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT

Qualification Reference Number (QRN)

N/A

Total qualification time (TQT):

12 weeks

Guided learning hours (GLH)

144

Accreditation

- Bespoke programme
- First Aid elements accredited by FAA Nuco

Mode of Delivery

Blended

Entry requirements:

– Aged 19+
– Level 2 English or equivalent
– Have Right to Work in UK

Mandatory Units

4 knowledge only units
5 practical training

Assessment

Portfolio of Evidence
Practical demonstration

Real Work Environment (RWE)

Placement is not mandatory, however learners are encouraged to volunteer 1 day per week

Case Studies

COURSE