Nursery Assistant in Derry, Londonderry

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. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table 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. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• 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 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. OR Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Knowledge: Demonstrate a working knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children and/or young people, child protection and safeguarding.
• Skills: Evidence of 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.
• Behaviours: Ability to build positive and supportive relationships, empathy, confidentiality.

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• Qualifications and Experience: Additional working experience in a formal learning environment, specific experience of working with a child/children, experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting i.e. nursery/primary, ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.

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. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

Under the direction of the class teacher, assist with the educational support and care of the children in a designated class, in or outside the classroom.

The precise duties of the post will be determined by the Principal and may include all or some of the duties listed below.

• CLASSROOM SUPPORT: Work as part of a team to promote the efficient running of the class. Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/child/teacher relationships, as relevant, and keep confidences appropriately. Establish a supportive relationship with the children and parents. Assist, under the leadership of the teacher, children learning as effectively as possible both indoors and outdoors.
• ADMINISTRATION: Assist with classroom administration, e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc. Provide regular feedback about the children to the teacher.
• OTHER DUTIES: Attend relevant in-service training and disseminate appropriate information to colleagues. Participate in regular staff meetings and staff training days as required. Be aware of school policies and procedures and contribute to the implementation and review of school policies and procedures.

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.