Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) Specialist Provision)

JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, 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:

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs; enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting etc.
• Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported.
• Assist with authorised programmes (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil(s) participation in such programmes.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools under the directions of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational difficulties and non‑invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
• Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
• Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.

General Classroom Support:

• Assist pupil(s) learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment through:
• clarifying and explaining instruction;
• ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided;
• assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupil(s) as required;
• assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development;
• promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning;
• helping pupil(s) stay on work set;
• meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s) and take care of material for play sessions.
• Supervise groups of pupils, or individual pupils on specified activities including talking and listening, using ICT, extra‑curricular 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 the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupil(s) progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher/officer.
• 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.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer 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.

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.

Person Specification:

• 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.

Section 1 – Essential Criteria:

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from 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 which has been gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.
• Option 2: Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.

Core Knowledge:

• Health and safety requirements
• Development needs of children and/or young people.
• Child protection and safeguarding

Interview / Assessment – Skills:

• Effective planning and organising skills.
• Ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
• Ability to work as part of team.
• Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child‑centred learning experience.
• Effective and positive communication skills.

Core Behaviours:

• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
• Empathy
• Confidentiality

Section 2 – Desirable Criteria:

• Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher‑level qualifications.
• Training Relevant To The Role / Statement (e.g. Social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties; Language and communication; ASD; ADHD)
• Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
• Specific experience of working with a child/young person with special educational needs/particular need as per statement.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting e.g. nursery/primary/post‑primary/specialist provision unit attached to mainstream/special school setting.
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of 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.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.