Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Educational Needs) in Moira

Reports to: School Principal, through class teacher.

Job purpose: Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer, assist with the educational support and care of pupils with special educational needs who are in or outside the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Main Duties and Responsibilities
• Undertaken duties 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.
• Special Classroom Support
• Assist the teacher with pupil support and care, including access to the curriculum, personal needs such as 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 evaluation, encourage pupil participation.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in the mainstream classroom under the class teacher’s direction.
• Assist with operational and medical difficulties pertaining to pupil disabilities.
• Support implementation of behavioural management programmes.
• Assist pupils in moving around school and on/off transport.
• General Classroom Support
• Assist pupils to learn efficiently in group and individual settings by managing learning environment.
• Clarifying and explaining instruction.
• Ensuring pupils can use equipment and materials.
• Motivating and encouraging pupils as required.
• Providing reinforcement or development in needed areas.
• Promoting pupil independence to enhance learning.
• Helping pupils stay on task.
• Meeting physical/medical needs while encouraging independence.
• Being aware of school policies, procedures, and confidentiality issues.
• Establishing supportive relationships with pupils.
• Preparing and producing resources, taking care of play material.
• Supervising pupil groups or individual activities (talking, listening, ICT, extra-curricular) as directed.
• Assisting with off-site activities following risk assessment.
• Providing continuity of adult care (supervising play, cloakrooms, hand washing, toileting).
• Administering prescribed medicines and drugs for ill children and handling minor injuries.
• Ensuring a safe environment for pupils.
• Reporting any signs/symptoms requiring expert or urgent attention to the class teacher.
• Administration
• Assist with classroom administration.
• Support the teacher and professionals in recording pupil progress.
• Contribute to maintenance of progress records.
• Provide regular feedback to the teacher.
• Duplicate written materials, produce charts/display, record radio/TV programmes, catalogue books and resources.
• Other Duties
• Attend relevant in-service training.
• Assist work-placement students with practical tasks.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Principal within the level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• Qualifications and Experience
• Hold a minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) certificate or diploma from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Have minimum 6 weeks of experience gained in a formal learning environment or as part of a Level 2 placement. OR have a minimum of 12 months’ experience in a formal learning environment.
• Knowledge
• Health and safety requirements.
• Development needs of children/young people with complex needs.
• Child protection and safeguarding.
• Skills
• Effective planning and organising.
• Follow agreed systems and plans.
• Work as part of a team.
• Work flexibly and creatively for a child-centred learning experience.
• Evidence of at least one of: comprehensive medical procedures, specialist communication support, challenging behaviour management, working knowledge of specific SEN areas.
• Behaviours
• Effective, positive communication.
• Build supportive relationships.
• Empathy.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Desirable Criteria

• Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area.
• Level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications.
• Additional training such as Makaton, First Aid, speech and language support, Team Teach training.
• Experience as a Classroom Assistant in a special school setting (ages 3-19).
• Experience with pupils having SLD or complex needs.
• Additional experience in a formal learning environment.
• Ability to proactively support pupils with specific needs, manage challenging behaviour, medical needs, communication, use digital and assistive technologies.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.