Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Educational Needs)

Job Title

Classroom Assistant – Additional Special Educational Needs

Reports to: School Principal, through class teacher

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer, assist with the educational support and care of the pupils with special educational needs in or outside the classroom.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Additional Special Classroom Support – undertake at least one of:
  • Undertake more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
  • Help pupils with specialist communication skills or sensory difficulties access the curriculum.
  • Deal with pupils with very challenging behaviour as identified by the Educational Psychology Service.
• Special Classroom Support:
  • Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupils with special educational needs, including enabling curriculum access and attending to personal needs (dietary, feeding, toileting).
  • Develop an understanding of each pupil’s specific needs.
  • Assist with authorised programmes (Education Plan, Care Plan) and participate in their evaluation.
  • Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in the mainstream classroom under the teacher’s direction.
  • Assist with operational and medical difficulties related to pupils’ disabilities.
  • Support implementation of behavioural management programmes.
  • Assist pupils in moving around school and on and off transport.
• General Classroom Support:
  • Assist pupils to learn effectively in group and independent settings by managing the learning environment, which includes:
    • clarifying and explaining instruction;
    • ensuring pupils can use equipment and materials provided;
    • motivating and encouraging pupils as required;
    • providing reinforcement or development where needed;
    • promoting independent learning;
    • helping pupils stay on task set;
    • meeting physical/medical needs while encouraging independence.
  • Be aware of school policies, procedures and confidential issues and keep confidences appropriately.
  • Establish supportive relationships with pupils.
  • Prepare and produce appropriate resources and manage materials for play sessions.
  • Supervise groups or individual pupils for specified activities, including talking and listening, ICT, extracurricular activities, and other duties as directed.
  • Assist with off‑site activities following a risk assessment.
  • Provide continuity of adult care (e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms, hand washing, toileting).
  • Administer prescribed medicines and drugs to ill children, and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
  • Ensure a safe environment for pupils.
  • Report to the teacher any signs or symptoms that require expert or immediate attention.
• Administration:
  • Assist with classroom administration.
  • Help implement the system for recording pupils’ progress.
  • Maintain pupils’ progress records.
  • Provide regular feedback about pupils to the teacher.
  • Duplicate written materials, produce 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.
  • Carry out additional duties assigned by the Principal within the level of the post.

Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and may also be explored during the interview/selection stage.

• Option 1
  • Hold or will hold by 24 August 2026 a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area obtained through a recognised accredited awarding body. (Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level.)
  • Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of the Level 2 qualification.
• Option 2
  • Hold a minimum of 12 months experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Knowledge
  • Health and safety requirements.
  • Development needs of children and/or young people.
  • Child protection and safeguarding.
• Skills
  • 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 to ensure a child‑centred learning experience.
  • Evidence of at least one of the following sets of skills in a learning or caring environment:
    • Undertaking comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
    • Assisting pupils with specialist communication needs or sensory difficulties.
    • Working with pupils with challenging behaviour.
    • Working knowledge of specific SEN areas and implications for learning.
• Behaviours
  • Effective and positive communication skills.
  • Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
  • Empathy.
  • Confidentiality.
• Enhanced Disclosure Certificate
  • Applicants recommended for a regulated activity must undergo an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. The applicant is expected to cover the cost of the certificate.
• Legal Duty
  • 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 and comply with equality legislation at all times.

Desirable Criteria

• Additional training/qualifications such as Braille, Makaton, First Aid, speech and language support, Team Teach training.
• Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification by 24 August 2026 in a relevant area.
• Hold at least level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher‑level qualifications.
• Experience working with a child or young person with a specific SEN (MLD, SLD, etc.).
• Experience as a Classroom Assistant in a specialist provision unit attached to mainstream or special school.
• Other additional SEN skills (e.g., use assistive technology, support pupils with specific needs, manage challenging behaviour, use digital technologies to assist learning and prepare resources).

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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