Additional Support Needs

Additional support needs, often referred to in Scottish educational contexts by this term and in England by the related concept of special educational needs, is the study of how educational systems identify, understand, and respond to the diverse learning needs of children and young people who require additional support to access education and reach their potential. It encompasses learning differences such as dyslexia and developmental language disorder, physical and sensory disabilities, autism, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, and the complex interactions among these. Professionals in this field work to ensure that every child can access appropriate education and support.

At the University of Suffolk, this two-year full-time programme is designed for students who want to develop specialist knowledge and skills in supporting children and young people with additional needs, either as practitioners in schools and support services or as a step towards further professional development. You will study the legislative and policy frameworks that govern additional support provision, the range of conditions and learning differences that create additional support needs, effective pedagogical approaches for inclusive practice, and the principles of collaborative working with families, other professionals, and the young people themselves. The programme prepares you for the realities of professional practice in this specialist area.

Graduates from additional support needs programmes work as learning support assistants, special educational needs coordinators, specialist teachers, teaching assistants, and support workers in schools, specialist educational settings, and other services for children and young people. Many use the Foundation degree as a stepping stone to further study, including top-up degrees or postgraduate qualifications in special educational needs, inclusion, or teaching, which lead to full professional status and expanded career opportunities. The field offers meaningful and valued work in the service of some of society's most vulnerable young people.