Classroom Assistant in Newtownards

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/board officer, assist with the educational support and care of the pupils in a designated class or classes, in or outside the classroom.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
• Assist, as required, pupils learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment through:

• clarifying and explaining instruction;
• ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided;
• assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupils as required;
• contributing to areas requiring reinforcement or development, e.g. language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting/presentation etc;
• promoting independent learning;
• helping pupils concentrate on and finish work set.

ADMINISTRATION

• Assist with classroom administration, e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc.
• Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupils to the teacher.

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.

SECTION 1 - 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 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.

SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Demonstrable evidence of a minimum of six months’ paid experience actively supporting pupils’ learning within a mainstream Primary School classroom.
• Demonstrate experience of supporting and leading high-quality, play-based or activity based learning within mainstream Primary School.
• Demonstrate experience of contributing to whole-school events such as Open Days, Christmas Nativities, school trips, and other wider-school activities.
• Demonstrate the ability to use digital technologies to support learning and to prepare resources within a mainstream Primary School Foundation Stage classroom.
• Hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in a relevant area from a recognised and accredited awarding body.

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.