Classroom Assistant

Job Title

Classroom Assistant

Reports To

The Principal, through the class teacher

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.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
• Clarify and explain instruction.
• Ensure pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided.
• Assist in motivating and encouraging pupils as required.
• Contribute to areas requiring reinforcement or development, e.g. language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting/presentation.
• Promote independent learning.
• Help pupils concentrate on and finish work set.
• Participate in classroom activities, including involvement with the curriculum, where appropriate, under the direction of the class teacher/officer.
• Assume responsibility for supervising groups of children or individual children on specified activities including talking and listening, use of library activities, using ICT, extra‑curricular activities and other duties.
• Provide continuity of adult care such as supervising play and cloakrooms, including hand washing and toileting.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and keep confidences appropriately.
• 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 e.g. making dough, paste, cutting paper, costume preparation, involvement in school dramatic activities etc.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
• Ensure as far as possible 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, 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.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

Qualifications (Essential Criteria)

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body (Certificate or Diploma level).
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience gained through working in a formal learning environment or a placement completed as part of a Level 2 qualification.
• Alternatively, have a minimum of 12 months experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of: health and safety requirements; development needs of children and/or young people; child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of skills: effective planning and organising; ability to follow agreed systems and plans; ability to work as part of a team; ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child-centred learning experience; effective and positive communication.
• Behaviours: ability to build positive and supportive relationships; empathy; confidentiality.

Qualifications (Desirable Criteria)

• Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications.
• Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
• Experience working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a primary school setting.
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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