Teacher - Primary - Foundation Stage (Maternity) in Belfast

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.

The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• Qualifications/ Professional Membership
  • Qualifications must be obtained at the closing date for applications;
  • Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland
• Experience
  • Minimum of two years’ demonstrable paid experience of teaching within the Foundation Stage (by the time of appointment) to achieve positive learning outcomes within the past seven years
  • Demonstrable experience of using a range of effective classroom strategies to provide support and challenge children and young people of all abilities, including those with Special Educational Needs
  • Demonstrable experience of using digital media/technology to enhance teaching and learning
• Other
  • Be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up post

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.

• Knowledge
  • Knowledge of Northern Ireland Curriculum
  • Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and Child Protection policy/practice
  • Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
  • Knowledge of a range of teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of pupils
  • Knowledge of Information Technology systems such as digital classroom tools/media and the use of tablets/mobile technologies
  • Knowledge of current assessment methods to inform teaching
• Skills / Abilities
  • Effective teaching and classroom management skills to inspire and challenge pupils to raise achievement
  • Proven ability to provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment
  • Ability to use initiative, solve problems and be flexible
  • Ability to work collaboratively to promote positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and the wider community
  • Ability to work as an effective member of a team, and to motivate self and others
• Values Orientation / Identification with School Ethos
  • Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the School’s Values/ethos.

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• Qualifications and Experience
  • Demonstrable experience of integrating the Principles of Nurture into everyday practice to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Minimum of five years’ demonstrable experience of teaching within Foundation Stage and/or Key Stage One to achieve positive learning outcomes
  • Demonstrable experience of monitoring pupil progress, performance, target setting and intervention
  • Demonstrable experience of contributing to the extra-curricular life of the school and parental engagement
  • Demonstrable experience of assisting with the delivery of a curricular subject
  • Demonstrable experience of teaching pupils for whom English is not their first language

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.