6N1957 SNA Case Study 2026: Supporting Sophie, a 10-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy in Mainstream School (QQI Level 6, 40%)

6N1957 Special Needs Assisting Case Study: Sophie, a Pupil with Cerebral Palsy (QQI Level 6)

This QQI Level 6 6N1957 Special Needs Assisting case study comes from the Adult Education Hub at Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane. It is worth 40% (MIMLOs 1, 2, 4 and 5) and asks learners to plan SNA support for Sophie, a 10-year-old mainstream pupil with cerebral palsy, in about 1,600–2,250 words.

Learner Brief

Respond to the scenario below. Your work must demonstrate knowledge of educational options and supports, SNA workplace stress, appropriate planning for care needs, safe and sensitive practice, and critical reflection. A written submission of approximately 1,600–2,250 words is suggested; other agreed formats may be used.

Scenario: Sophie

Sophie is 10 years old and attends a mainstream primary school. She has cerebral palsy, affecting mobility and fine motor skills. She uses a walking frame for shorter distances and a wheelchair when travelling longer distances or when tired. She requires assistance with some aspects of toileting and personal care, but values independence and can become frustrated when adults complete tasks she can attempt herself. Fine motor difficulties make handwriting challenging, so she uses a tablet and adapted keyboard for some activities. Sophie understands the curriculum well, enjoys English, art and group projects, and sometimes needs extra time to communicate when tired or anxious. She has close friends and enjoys playground and classroom activities, although parts of the school environment are difficult for her to access independently. Her family is beginning to consider her transition to post-primary school.

Section 1 – Educational Options and Supports (5 marks)

Discuss educational options available in Ireland for children with special educational needs and examine supports available in schools. Apply your discussion to Sophie.

Section 2 – Workplace Stress (5 marks)

Examine at least two possible sources of stress in the SNA workplace and explain appropriate strategies for managing them professionally.

Section 3 – Care Planning (15 marks)

Identify two primary care needs and one secondary associated care task for Sophie. Detail how you would plan and implement support using appropriate and relevant SNA skills.

Section 4 – Safe, Sensitive and Appropriate Practice (10 marks)

Show comprehensive, appropriate and sensitive actions to meet Sophie’s needs, including correct and safe practices, dignity, privacy, independence, communication, safeguarding and role boundaries.

Section 5 – Critical Reflection (5 marks)

Critically reflect on your learning, including how the task influenced your understanding of the SNA role, independence, inclusion and your own future practice.

Submission Requirements

• Use headings to structure your work.
• Protect confidentiality and do not use real children’s identifying information.
• Acknowledge all sources and include a reference list.
• Submit in the format and by the deadline agreed with the tutor.
• Work must be the learner’s own and comply with centre academic integrity requirements.

Marking Scheme

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