Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)

Overview

Job title: Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs

Reports to: The Principal, through the class teacher

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

Main duties and responsibilities

The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/ Education Authority officer.

Special Classroom Support

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs, e.g. enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including 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 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 pupil disabilities.
• Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
• Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.

General Classroom Support

• Assist pupil(s) learn as effectively as possible in group situations and individually by assisting with the management of the learning environment, including clarifying and explaining instruction; ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided; assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupil(s); assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development; promoting independence to enhance learning; helping pupils stay on work set; meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.
• Be aware of school policies 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 pupil(s) and care for materials 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.
• Under the direction of the teacher and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
• 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 injuries.
• Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms that may require expert or immediate attention.

Administration

• Assist with classroom administration.
• Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording pupil progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) 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.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

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. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

Person specification and notes to applicants

The following notes outline applicant guidance related to essential criteria, desirable criteria, and disclosure of criminal background.

• 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 must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria and may involve verification during interview.
• The Selection Panel may also apply desirable criteria to determine a shortlist.

Section 1 – Essential Criteria

The essential criteria will be measured for shortlisting and may be explored during the interview. Provide clear evidence of how you meet these criteria in your application.

Qualifications and Experience

• Hold a minimum of Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised awarding body.
• Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. Award level is not acceptable.
• Have a minimum of 4 weeks experience in a formal learning environment.

Core Knowledge

• Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety requirements; development needs of children/young people; child protection and safeguarding; ADHD, Autism, Communication and Social Interaction Difficulties, Speech and Language Difficulties, Moderate Learning Difficulties.

Skills

• Effective planning and organisational skills; ability to follow agreed systems and plans; ability to work as part of a team; ability to work flexibly and creatively to support child-centered learning; effective and positive communication skills.

Core Behaviours

• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships; empathy; confidentiality.

Section 2 – Desirable Criteria

Desirable criteria may be used to determine a smaller pool of candidates. Provide evidence on your application of how you meet these criteria.

• Hold a Level 3 qualification in a relevant area.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant in a relevant setting (e.g., nursery/primary/specialist unit attached to mainstream/special school).
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist learning and resource preparation.

Disclosure of Criminal Background

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as regulated activity. If recommended for appointment to a post involving regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be required. You will be expected to meet the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

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

Applicant guidance notes

To view applicant guidance, please view the guidance notes. To learn about benefits of joining the Education Authority, view the information provided by the Authority.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer