Teacher - Nursery

PERSON SPECIFICATION

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 should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
• 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 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.

SECTION 1 – ESSENTIAL 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.

• Factor: Essential Criteria
• Method of Assessment: Qualifications/ Professional Membership
• Qualifications must be obtained at the date of taking up appointment.
• Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.
• Shortlisting by Application Form.
• Factor: Experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ demonstrable experience of teaching in a Nursery or Foundation Stage setting to achieve positive learning outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience of using digital media/technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• Shortlisting by Application Form.
• Factor: Other
• Be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up post.
• Pre-employment check.

SECTION 2 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.

• Factor: Knowledge
• Knowledge of Northern Ireland Curriculum.
• Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and Child Protection policy/practice.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Knowledge of a range of teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of pupils.
• Knowledge of Information Technology systems such as digital classroom tools/media and the use of tablets/mobile technologies.
• Knowledge of current assessment methods to inform teaching.
• Interview.
• Skills / Abilities
• Effective teaching and classroom management skills to inspire and challenge pupils to raise achievement.
• Proven ability to provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
• Ability to use initiative, solve problems and be flexible.
• Ability to work collaboratively to promote positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and the wider community.
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team, and to motivate self and others.
• Interview.
• Values Orientation / Identification with School Ethos
• Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the School’s Values/ethos. You will find information about our Values/ethos on the school’s website.
• Interview.

SECTION 3 – DESIRABLE CRITERIA

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.

• Factor: Desirable Criteria
• Demonstrable experience of monitoring pupil progress, performance, target setting and conducting intervention work.
• Demonstrable experience of teaching children with additional educational needs, liaising with external support agencies and of writing Personalized Learning Plans.
• Demonstrable experience in the implementation of effective transition arrangements to primary school.
• Demonstrable experience of assisting with the delivery of Play-Based Learning in a school environment or hold a relevant qualification to assist with the delivery of Play-Based Learning in a school environment.
• Shortlisting by Application Form.

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. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Teacher – Nursery

REPORTS TO: Principal

PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF A TEACHER

TEACHERS’ (TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT) REGULATIONS (NORTHERN IRELAND) 1987 Schedule 3 Regulation 5

• Exercise of general professional duties.
• ~Specific duties under the reasonable direction of the principal, board, and assigned school.
• Exercise of particular duties as reasonably assigned.
• Planning and preparing courses and lessons.
• Teaching, including setting and marking work.
• Assessing, recording and reporting on pupil development, progress, and attainment.
• Promoting general progress and well‑being of pupils.
• Providing academic, social, and career guidance.
• Making records and reports on pupils’ needs.
• Communicating with parents and external organisations.
• Participating in meetings about curriculum, administration, and pastoral matters.
• Contributing to oral and written assessments, reports and references.
• Participating in staff development, performance review, and professional development schemes.
• Reviewing teaching methods and programmes.
• Co‑operating with principal and other teachers on curriculum development, teaching materials, and pastoral arrangements.
• Maintaining order and discipline, safeguarding health and safety.
• Participating in meetings regarding curriculum and school administration.
• Preparing pupils for public examinations, assessing, and supervising examinations.
• Contributing to the selection and professional development of other teachers.
• Co‑ordinating or managing the work of other teachers.
• Administering support staff tasks, ordering equipment and materials.
• Attending assemblies and registering pupil attendance where required.
• Availabilities: full‑time teacher to work 195 days a year, with specified hours for various duties and breaks.
• Staff cover duties as per enrolment and absence guidelines.
• Review and development of management activities and administration.

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.