Classroom Assistant in Carrickfergus

Reports To: The Principal, through the class teacher

Job Purpose: Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/board officer, assist with the educational support and care of the pupils in a designated class or classes, in or outside the classroom.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
• Assist, as required, pupils learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by:
• assisting with the management of the learning environment;
• clarifying and explaining instruction;
• ensuring pupils can use equipment and materials provided;
• motivating and encouraging pupils;
• contributing to areas requiring reinforcement or development (e.g., language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting/presentation);
• promoting independent learning;
• helping pupils concentrate on and finish work set.
• Participate in classroom activities, including involvement with the curriculum, where appropriate, under the direction of the class teacher/officer.
• Assume responsibility for supervising groups of children or individual children on specified activities including talking and listening, use of library activities, ICT, extra-curricular activities and other duties.
• Provide continuity of adult care (e.g., supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing and toileting).
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare work for pupils as directed by, and in support of, the teacher.
• Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
• Prepare material for activities (e.g., play sessions and related resources).
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and dealing with minor injuries.
• Ensure a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms that may require expert or immediate attention.
• Assist with classroom administration (e.g., collecting dinner money, lost property).
• Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records and provide regular feedback about pupils to the teacher.
• Attend relevant in-service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Other duties as assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

This job description will be reviewed as needed and is not intended to be rigid or inflexible. The post-holder is expected to promote equality of opportunity and adhere to equality legislation at all times.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised awarding body.
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience gained in a formal learning environment or via placement as part of the Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.
• Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children and/or young people, and child protection and safeguarding.

Skills:

• Evidence of skills to support child-centred learning and classroom management, including:
• effective planning and organising;
• following agreed systems and plans;
• teamwork;
• flexible and creative approach to supporting a child-centred learning experience;
• effective and positive communication;
• ability to work with Key Stage 2 pupils in Literacy & Numeracy.

Behaviours:

• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships; empathy; confidentiality.

Desirable Criteria:

• Hold a minimum Level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications.
• Additional working experience in a primary school environment.
• Specific experience of working as a classroom assistant with children in Key Stage 2.
• Specific experience of working with children in Key Stage 2 using precision teaching or similar strategies to boost/assist literacy and/or numeracy.
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist learning and resource preparation.

Disclosure of Criminal Background:

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as ‘regulated activity’. If appointed to a post involving regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be undertaken. Applicants will be required to meet the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.