6N1957 Special Needs Assisting Case Study Assessment (40%) QQI Level 6 2026
6N1957 Special Needs Assisting Case Study Assessment (40%), QQI Level 6, 2026
| Component | Special Needs Assisting |
| Component Code | 6N1957 |
| Award Level | QQI Level 6 (NFQ), minor award |
| Assessment Type | Scenario-based case study |
| Weighting | 40% of the component |
| Learning Outcomes Assessed | MIMLOs 1, 2, 4 and 5 |
| Submission | 30 October (2026 intake) |
| Length | About 3,000 words |
In this QQI Level 6 SNA case study, learners respond to a child scenario provided by their centre. The assessment asks you to apply your knowledge of Irish special education supports and school placements to that child, consider the pressures SNAs face at work, plan how two primary care needs and one secondary task will be met safely and respectfully, and close with a critical reflection on your own learning.
Assessment Criteria
| Criteria | Maximum Mark |
| Examined the supports available to children with special educational needs in schools and discussed the different educational options available | 5 |
| Examined possible sources of stress in the workplace environment for SNAs | 5 |
| Detailed description of an appropriate plan for implementing and meeting two primary care needs and one secondary associated task, using the appropriate and relevant skills | 15 |
| Evidence of comprehensive, appropriate and sensitive actions to meet needs and correct use of health and safety practices | 10 |
| Critically reflected on their learning | 5 |
| Total | 40 |
Marking Breakdown: Supports and Educational Options (5 Marks)
- Supports available in schools: minimum of two (2.5 marks)
- Educational options available: minimum of two (2.5 marks)
Tasks Set in the Case Study
- Supports and options: describe at least two in-school supports for a child with special educational needs and at least two educational placement options in Ireland, applied to the child in the scenario.
- Workplace stress: examine sources of stress that SNAs can face in the school environment.
- Care plan: set out a detailed plan for meeting two primary care needs and one secondary associated task for the child, showing the skills the SNA uses.
- Actions and health and safety: show comprehensive, appropriate and sensitive actions, with correct health and safety practice throughout.
- Reflection: critically reflect on what you have learned from the case study.
Note: the case study scenario is issued by the centre each year and was not part of the uploaded brief