Children with Additional Needs – QQI level 5

Children with Additional Needs – QQI Level 5

Qualification: QQI Level 5 Component Certificate in Children with Additional Needs
Duration: Access for 10 Weeks
Learning Mode: On Demand
Code: 5N2396
Level: QQI Level 5
ECTS Credits: 15
Fees: €245
Payment Options: Instalment Plan Available

Overview

This Children with Additional Needs programme provides learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional understanding required to support children with a wide range of additional needs in educational, childcare, and care settings.

Designed for individuals seeking employment in support roles or wishing to enhance their existing qualifications, the programme explores child development, learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, physical disabilities, communication challenges, and inclusive support practices.

The course is particularly valuable for those pursuing careers as Special Needs Assistants, childcare practitioners, classroom support workers, and care assistants. Delivered through a flexible online format, learners can study at their own pace while gaining a nationally recognised QQI qualification.

Learning Mode
On Demand

• Fully online delivery
• Pre-recorded lectures
• Start anytime
• Self-paced learning
• Flexible study schedule
• Access for 10 weeks

Qualification

Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will receive:

• QQI Level 5 Component Certificate in Children with Additional Needs (5N2396)

This nationally recognised qualification supports employment opportunities in educational, childcare, and support settings and can contribute towards further QQI awards.

Course Structure

The programme focuses on developing learners’ understanding of children with additional educational, developmental, behavioural, and physical needs.

Learners will explore the characteristics of a range of disabilities and additional needs while developing practical approaches that promote inclusion, participation, learning, and wellbeing.

Module
Children with Additional Needs (5N2396)

• Child Development
• General Learning Disabilities
• Specific Learning Disabilities
• Physical Disabilities
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviour
• Hearing Impairments
• Visual Impairments
• Medical Conditions
• Speech and Language Disorders

Course content may be updated periodically to reflect current educational practice, research, and industry standards.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Minimum age of 17 years
• Good standard of English
• Basic computer literacy skills
• Access to a computer and internet connection

The Department of Education currently stipulates that individuals seeking full-time employment in schools should possess at least three passes at Junior Certificate level or equivalent.

Assessment

Assessment is completed through continuous assessment throughout the programme.

Learners will complete coursework assignments designed to demonstrate their understanding of child development, additional needs, and effective support strategies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, learners will be able to:

• Understand key stages of child development
• Recognise a range of additional educational and developmental needs
• Support children with learning disabilities and physical disabilities
• Understand the characteristics of Autism and ADHD
• Apply strategies to support communication and language development
• Respond appropriately to challenging behaviour
• Promote inclusion and participation within educational and care settings
• Support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing
• Demonstrate professional and ethical practice when working with children

Work Experience

Work experience is not a mandatory requirement for this standalone module.

However, learners currently working or volunteering within educational, childcare, or care environments will benefit from applying course concepts within real-world settings.

Career & Progression Opportunities

This qualification supports employment and career development opportunities in areas including:

• Special Needs Assistant Support Roles
• Childcare and Early Years Settings
• Classroom Support Roles
• Community Care Services
• Educational Support Programmes
• Inclusion and Disability Support Services

The qualification can also contribute towards further QQI awards in Special Needs Assisting, Early Learning and Care, Childcare, Social Care, and related disciplines.

Why Choose This Course?

✔️ Nationally recognised QQI Level 5 qualification
✔️ Flexible online learning with start-anytime access
✔️ Study at your own pace around work and family commitments
✔️ Develop practical knowledge of additional needs and inclusion
✔️ Ideal pathway towards Special Needs Assisting and childcare careers
✔️ Learn about Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and communication needs
✔️ Suitable for new entrants and experienced practitioners alike
✔️ Supports progression to further education and professional development

Location & Start Date

Start Date: Online Anytime

Learning Mode Available:
• On Demand Online

Duration

• Access for 10 Weeks
• Self-Paced Learning
• Flexible Online Study

Fees

• €245

Instalment plans are available for eligible learners.