Build confidence and skills to support children
and young people with additional needs in schools
through flexible QQI-accredited SNA courses.
Build confidence and skills to support children and young people with additional needs in schools through flexible QQI-accredited SNA courses.
Build SNA skills at Level 5, then progress to Level 6 or further study.
Build SNA knowledge of care routines, IEPs and children’s rights.
Get dedicated Trainer guidance throughout your course.
Gain recognised QQI awards for SNA roles and progression.
Start at Level 5, progress to Level 6, and open routes to SNA roles, school support or further inclusive education study.
Build knowledge of the SNA role, care routines, IEPs, children’s rights and relevant disability legislation.
Learn with dedicated Trainer support, practical guidance and encouragement throughout your course.
Gain recognised QQI qualifications that support SNA employment, progression and confidence in school settings.
Start with Level 5, progress to Level 6, or choose the Combined Level 5 & 6 option to build your SNA qualification journey.
Start with Level 5, progress to Level 6, or choose the Combined Level 5 & 6 option to build your SNA qualification journey.
LEVEL 5
SNA Level 5 Award
Complete Level 5 Special Needs Assisting pathway and build the foundation for working as an SNA in school and care settings.
Best for: learners taking their first step towards a recognised SNA qualification.
Level 5 Minor Award
QQI Code: 5N1786
Flexible study options
LEVEL 6
SNA Level 6 Award
Progress to Level 6 to deepen your knowledge, strengthen your confidence and prepare for more advanced SNA support roles.
Best for: learners who already have Level 5 or relevant experience and want to progress further.
Level 6 Minor Award
QQI Code: 6N1957
Flexible study options
LEVEL 5 & 6
Combined SNA Level 5 & 6
Work towards both awards through one structured route from entry to progression.
Best for: learners who want one complete pathway from Level 5 through to Level 6.
Combined pathway
QQI Code: 5N1786 & 6N1957
Flexible study options
Begin with a two-module Starter Pack, commit to a full Major Award, or choose the Combined Level 5 & 6 route.
Begin with a two-module Starter Pack, commit to a full Major Award, or choose the Combined Level 5 & 6 route.
LEVEL 5
SNA Level 5 Award
Complete Level 5 Special Needs Assisting pathway and build the foundation for working as an SNA in school and care settings.
Best for: learners taking their first step towards a recognised SNA qualification.
Level 5 Minor Award
QQI Code: 5N1786
Flexible study options
LEVEL 6
SNA Level 6 Award
Progress to Level 6 to deepen your knowledge, strengthen your confidence and prepare for more advanced SNA support roles.
Best for: learners who already have Level 5 or relevant experience and want to progress further.
Level 6 Minor Award
QQI Code: 6N1957
Flexible study options
LEVEL 5 & 6
Combined SNA Level 5 & 6
Work towards both awards through one structured route from entry to progression.
Best for: learners who want one complete pathway from Level 5 through to Level 6.
Combined pathway
QQI Code: 5N1786 & 6N1957
Flexible study options
QQI-recognised Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (SNA) courses respected across Ireland.
Study online, in person or in hybrid format - built for busy schedules.
Experienced SNA educators who bring real-world insight into every lesson.
Course content reflects QQI standards and Irish inclusive education practices, preparing you to support learners effectively in schools and care settings.
Human support - assignment guidance, Trainer feedback, learner packs, and accessible study resources
QQI-recognised Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (SNA) courses respected across Ireland.
Study online, in person or in hybrid format - built for busy schedules.
Experienced SNA educators who bring real-world insight into every lesson.
Course content reflects QQI standards and Irish inclusive education practices, preparing you to support learners effectively in schools and care settings.
Human support - assignment guidance, Trainer feedback, learner packs, and accessible study resources
Our SNA pathway helps you build the skills, confidence and recognised qualifications to support learners effectively in school settings.
LEVEL 5
Build practical skills to support learners with additional needs in school settings.
LEVEL 6
Develop your SNA knowledge for more advanced support roles in education.
LEVEL 5 & 6
Explore school-based SNA roles or further study in education or social care.
Our SNA pathway helps you build the skills, confidence and recognised qualifications to support learners effectively in school settings.
LEVEL 5
Build practical skills to support learners with additional needs in school settings.
LEVEL 6
Develop your SNA knowledge for more advanced support roles in education.
LEVEL 5 & 6
Explore school-based SNA roles or further study in education or social care.
I was lucky to have Nancy Poynton as our Trainer for the Level 6 in-person SNA course.
Nancy was professional, supportive and engaging, with a wealth of lived experience that came through in every class. She created a welcoming learning environment where everyone felt comfortable asking questions and taking part. Her knowledge, patience and encouragement made the course a fantastic experience, and I now feel excited to start my journey as an SNA.
Level 6 Graduate
I had a fantastic experience with Forus Training.
Their support throughout my online course was amazing—quick responses, clear guidance, and genuine care. Huge thanks to James and Emma who went above and beyond, even late at night and at weekends, to help me stay on track and meet deadlines. I highly recommend them!
Level 5 Graduate
Brilliant experience. I would really recommend their course.
Everyone was very helpful, especially Trainer Laura and members of the office team. Both Aarush and Hulya were quickly responding to any queries I had. I really enjoyed both levels of snSNA course.
Level 5 & 6 Combined Graduate
I have just finished my SNA Level 5 & 6 courses with Forus Training, and I honestly had such a positive experience.
The course was well laid out and easy to follow, even when the topics were challenging. A huge thank you to Nancy, who was an incredible trainer—kind, patient, and always willing to help. She explained everything clearly and made sure every student felt supported. I’m so grateful for the skills and confidence I’ve gained and would gladly recommend Forus Training and Nancy to anyone considering this path.
Level 5 & 6 Combined Graduate
Learn with experienced Trainers who understand the sector and support
your progress.
Head of the SNA Department, Trainer
Emma O’Brien brings over 20 years’ experience in community and adult education to her role as Head of the Special Needs Assisting Department at Forus Training.
Passionate about empowering people through learning, Emma has strong experience in training, programme development, assessment, and quality assurance.
As a QQI assessor and verifier across all Levels, she supports the delivery of clear, practical SNA training that helps learners build the confidence, knowledge, and recognised skills to support children and young people in school and care settings.
SNA Trainer
Erin Kelly Ashworth brings over ten years’ experience as a professional trainer to her role as SNA Trainer at Forus Training.
Before specialising in training, Erin worked across a range of organisations in Ireland, supporting the delivery of services for individuals with disabilities.
She holds an Honours BA in Business Management and a Diploma in Disability Studies from University College Cork, along with postgraduate study completed as part of an MSc Psychology programme in the UK.
Erin brings practical insight, academic knowledge, and a strong understanding of learner support to her SNA training.
SNA Trainer
Maura Cronin is a highly experienced Early Childhood Educator, Trainer and Inclusion Specialist with over 25 years’ experience…
in the Early Years sector and over 6 years delivering the QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting programme with Forus Training.
As the founder of an inclusive preschool established in 2002, Maura brings real-world experience in child-centred practice and supporting children of all abilities, including children with additional needs. She holds a Level 9 Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies, a BA in Early Childhood Practice and a BA (Hons) in Leadership and Management in Early Years.
Maura specialises in inclusion, autism, behaviour support, sensory support and inclusive educational practice, helping learners build the knowledge, confidence and practical understanding needed for SNA roles.
Learn with experienced Trainers who understand the sector and support your progress.
Head of the SNA Department, Trainer
Emma O’Brien brings over 20 years’ experience in community and adult education to her role as Head of the Special Needs Assisting Department at Forus Training.
Passionate about empowering people through learning, Emma has strong experience in training, programme development, assessment, and quality assurance.
As a QQI assessor and verifier across all Levels, she supports the delivery of clear, practical SNA training that helps learners build the confidence, knowledge, and recognised skills to support children and young people in school and care settings.
SNA Trainer
Erin Kelly Ashworth brings over ten years’ experience as a professional trainer to her role as SNA Trainer at Forus Training.
Before specialising in training, Erin worked across a range of organisations in Ireland, supporting the delivery of services for individuals with disabilities.
She holds an Honours BA in Business Management and a Diploma in Disability Studies from University College Cork, along with postgraduate study completed as part of an MSc Psychology programme in the UK.
Erin brings practical insight, academic knowledge, and a strong understanding of learner support to her SNA training.
SNA Trainer
Maura Cronin is a highly experienced Early Childhood Educator, Trainer and Inclusion Specialist with over 25 years’ experience…
in the Early Years sector and over 6 years delivering the QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting programme with Forus Training.
As the founder of an inclusive preschool established in 2002, Maura brings real-world experience in child-centred practice and supporting children of all abilities, including children with additional needs. She holds a Level 9 Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies, a BA in Early Childhood Practice and a BA (Hons) in Leadership and Management in Early Years.
Maura specialises in inclusion, autism, behaviour support, sensory support and inclusive educational practice, helping learners build the knowledge, confidence and practical understanding needed for SNA roles.
