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 or Education Authority, assist with the educational support and the care of pupil(s) with special educational needs in or outside the classroom.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
- Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs – 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 such as Education Plans and Care Plans, participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil participation.
- 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 or clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil disabilities.
- Support the implementation of behavioural management programmes as directed.
- Assist pupils in moving around school and on and off transport.
GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
- Clarify and explain instruction.
- Ensure pupils can use equipment and materials provided.
- Motivate and encourage pupils as required.
- Assist in areas requiring reinforcement or development.
- Promote the independence of pupils to enhance learning.
- Help pupils stay on work set.
- Meet physical/medical needs as required while encouraging independence.
- Be aware of school policies, procedures and confidentiality issues, keeping confidences appropriately.
- Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
- Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupils and care for material for play sessions.
- Supervise groups of pupils or individual pupils on specified activities including talking and listening, using ICT, extracurricular activities and other duties as directed.
- Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off‑site activities.
- Provide continuity of adult care – supervising play and cloakroom activities, including hand washing and toileting.
- 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 suggesting that a pupil requires 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 pupils 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.
- Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the principal, outreach teacher or Education Authority officer within the level of the post.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Option 1
Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body – qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. And 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
Have a minimum of 12 months experience of working in a formal learning environment.
Core 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 help ensure a child‑centred learning experience.
- Effective and positive communication skills.
Core Behaviours
- Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
- Empathy.
- Confidentiality.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Qualifications
- Have completed training relevant to the role or statement, for example: Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties; Language and communication; ASD; ADHD.
- Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
- Hold a minimum of Level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher‑level qualifications.
Experience
- Specific experience of working with children/young people with special educational needs as per statement.
- Experience of working as a classroom assistant with pupils in a particular setting – e.g. post‑primary specialist provision unit attached to mainstream.
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 appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. You will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate; details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre‑employment stage.
Equal Opportunities Employer
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Job Description Note
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and may be amended from time to time. The post‑holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay, and to comply with equality legislation at all times.
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