Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Educational Needs) - Specialist Provision x 2

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area obtained through a recognised accredited awarding body. Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. Award level is not acceptable.
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification, or a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of health and safety requirements, the development needs of children and/or young people, and child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of skills to support child‑centered learning and assist with the management of the learning environment: 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 help ensure a child‑centered learning experience.
• Demonstration of at least one or more of the following sets of skills obtained in a learning/caring environment with children/young people: undertaking more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures; assisting pupils with specialist communication needs or sensory difficulties; working with pupils with challenging behaviour; working knowledge of specific areas of SEN and implications for learning; working knowledge of effective strategies to support the learning of pupils with SEN/particular needs.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Additional training such as Braille, Makaton, First Aid, speech and language support, Team Teach training.
• Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area.
• Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher‑level qualifications.
• Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
• Experience working with a child and/or young person with a specific special educational need, MLD, SLD etc.
• Experience as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting (e.g., specialist provision unit).
• Ability to use assistive technology.
• Ability to proactively support pupils with specific needs.
• Ability to deal with challenging behaviour.
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist learning and prepare resources.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

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 appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. You will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs who is/are in the teacher’s care in or outside the classroom.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer.

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Undertake more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
• Help pupils with specialist communication skills and/or sensory difficulties access the curriculum.
• Deal with pupils with very challenging behaviour as identified by the Educational Psychology Service as requiring additional provision.

GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Assist 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 the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided; assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupils as required; assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development; promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning; helping pupils stay on work set; meeting physical/medical needs as required while encouraging independence.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupils and take care of material for play sessions.
• Supervise groups of pupils, or individual pupils on specified activities including talking and listening, using ICT, extracurricular activities, and other duties as directed by the class teacher/officer.
• Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off‑site activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care, e.g., supervising play and cloakrooms, including hand washing, toileting, etc.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
• Ensure, as far as possible, a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.

ADMINISTRATION

• Assist with classroom administration.
• Assist teacher or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording pupil progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about pupils to the teacher.
• Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend relevant in‑service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Principal within the level of the post.

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.