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 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 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.

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.

Funded by Buckinghamshire Council and supported by the Department for Education, this Skills Bootcamp is completely free for eligible learners and offers a clear route into employment or further training in the SEND sector.

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.