Classroom Assistant in Belfast

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Qualifications and Experience – Essential Criteria
  • Option 1: Hold a minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body; qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level.
  • Option 1 (continued): Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience gained through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of the Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.
  • Option 2: Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Knowledge
  • Health and safety requirements.
  • Development needs of children and/or young people.
  • Child protection and safeguarding.
• Skills
  • Effective planning and organising skills.
  • Ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to work flexibly and creatively to support child-centred learning.
  • Effective and positive communication skills.
• Behaviours
  • Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
  • Empathy.
  • Confidentiality.
• Desirable Criteria
  • Demonstrable paid experience working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a Primary School setting.
  • Minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Job Title: Classroom Assistant
• 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 pupils in designated class or classes, in or outside the classroom.
• Main Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
  • Assist pupils in learning both in group situations and independently by clarifying instruction, ensuring use of equipment and materials, motivating, encouraging, reinforcing areas such as language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting/presentation, promoting independent learning, and helping pupils concentrate on and finish work set.
  • Participate in classroom activities, including curriculum involvement, under direction of class teacher/officer.
  • Supervise groups or individuals during specified activities (talking/listening, library, ICT, extra‑curricular, other duties).
  • Provide continuity of adult care (supervising play and cloakrooms, hand washing, toileting).
  • Maintain confidentiality of school policies, procedures and confidential matters.
  • Establish supportive relationships with pupils.
  • Prepare work for pupils as directed by the teacher.
  • Set up, clear away and clean equipment regularly.
  • Prepare material for play sessions (e.g., dough, paste, cutting paper, costume preparation, school dramatic activities).
  • Support administration of prescribed medicines, deal with minor cuts and grazes.
  • Ensure a safe environment for pupils.
  • Report any signs or symptoms suggestive of needs for expert or immediate attention.
• Administration Duties:
  • Assist with classroom administration (collecting dinner money, lost property, etc.).
  • Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
  • Contribute to maintenance of pupil progress records.
  • Provide regular feedback to the teacher.
• Other Duties:
  • Attend relevant in‑service training.
  • Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
  • Other duties assigned by principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer and will promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay, due regard for equality legislation at all times.