Nursery Assistant in Newtownards

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.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 children learning as effectively as possible both indoors and outdoors through:
• clarifying and explaining instruction.
• ensuring the children are able to use equipment and materials/resources provided.
• participating in motivating and encouraging the children as required.
• supporting identified areas for development, e.g. physical skills, language, behaviour, etc.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation and review of all areas of the curriculum as directed by the teacher.
• Prepare learning materials and resources.
• Contribute to the planning, preparation and display of the children’s work.
• Contribute to the observation, recording and evaluation of children’s progress records as directed by the teacher.
• Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
• Participate in classroom activities, including groups of children, or individual children, under the direction of the teacher.
• Participate in special events/activities such as school visits.
• Promote positive behaviour in accordance with school policy.
• Ensure and promote a safe environment for children.
• Assist with toileting, personal hygiene and dressing of children.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of routine prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and bruises.
• Report any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a child requires expert or immediate attention in line with the boards/schools child protection policy.
• Contribute to the planning, purchase and preparation of daily snacks taking account of the school’s/Board’s ‘Healthy Eating Policy’.

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.
• Participate in a supporting role in the training of non-teaching students.

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 how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• 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 months’ experience working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your qualification.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the requirements of a Nursery Assistant, health and safety requirements relevant to the role, development needs of children and/or young people, and child protection and safeguarding.
• 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, and effective and positive communication skills.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a nursery school or nursery unit.
• Experience and demonstrable understanding of playful learning and continuous provision.
• Demonstrable experience of contributing to observations within a classroom setting.
• Have completed at least level 1 Makaton and have experience of using this with nursery children.
• 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.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.