Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) in Cushendall

Reports to: The Principal, through the class teacher.

JOB PURPOSE

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Special Classroom Support
  • Assist the teacher with support and care of pupils with special educational needs, enabling access to the curriculum and attending to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting etc.
  • Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupils to be supported.
  • Assist with authorised programmes (e.g., Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil 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 pupils’ disabilities.
  • Support implementation of behaviour management programmes as directed.
  • Assist pupils in moving around school and on and off transport.
• General Classroom Support
  • Assist pupils to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by managing the learning environment: clarifying and explaining instruction, ensuring pupils can use equipment and materials, motivating and encouraging pupils as required, assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development, promoting independence 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 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.
  • Assist with off‑site activities following an appropriate risk assessment and under the direction of the teacher.
  • 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 implementation of the system for recording pupil progress.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records.
  • Provide regular feedback about pupils 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 other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

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

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.

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.
• 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 or special school setting).
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.

EQUALITY AND EEO

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. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.