Classroom Assistant in Belfast

Primary Location: Antrim-Belfast-Dundela Infants' School and Nursery Unit

Contract Type: Permanent

Status: Part-Time

Hours per Week: 15

Working Pattern: 3 hours per day, Monday-Friday

Grade/Scale: Classroom Assistant | NJC pts 5 - 8 | £13.6288 - £14.2897 per hour

JOB PURPOSE

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 pupils learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by:
• clarifying and explaining instruction;
• ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided;
• assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupils;
• 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.
• Participate in classroom activities, including involvement with the curriculum, where appropriate.
• Assume responsibility for supervising groups of children, or individual children on specified activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care, e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare work for pupils as directed by, and in support of, the teacher.
• Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
• Prepare material for play sessions.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill.
• Ensure a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a child requires expert or immediate attention.

ADMINISTRATION

• Assist with classroom administration, e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc.
• Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays.
• 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.

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

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.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications.

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 in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children and/or young people, child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of skills to support child-centred learning and assist with the management of the learning environment.

SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience of play based/activity based learning in a school environment.
• Experience of outdoor learning in a school environment.
• Hold a minimum of a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background for posts involving ‘regulated activity’.