Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) - Specialist Provision Unit

JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs REPORTS TO: The Principal, through the class teacher 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.

Special Classroom Support

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs (e.g., enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting).
• 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

• Clarify and explain instruction and ensure pupils use equipment and materials provided.
• Assist in motivating and encouraging pupils as required.
• Assist in areas requiring reinforcement or development.
• Promote independence of pupils to enhance learning.
• Help pupils stay on work set.
• Meet physical/medical needs as required while encouraging independence.
• 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 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, 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).
• 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 that may suggest 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.
• Perform any 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. 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.

Notes to Job Applicants

• 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 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 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.

Section 1 – Essential Criteria

Essential criteria are measured at shortlisting and may be further explored during interview/selection.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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.
• Have a minimum of six 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.

Core 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 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) 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.
• Specific experience of working with a child/young person with special educational needs.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting (e.g., primary school).
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

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 appointed 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.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.