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 the care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs who is/are in the teacher’s care in or outside the classroom.

Qualifications and Experience

• Hold a minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area obtained through 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 qualification. OR have at least 12 months experience 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 support a child‑centred learning experience.
• 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 areas of SEN and implications for learning.
• Strategy to support the learning of pupils with SEN/particular needs.

Behaviours

• Effective and positive communication skills.
• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
• Empathy.
• Confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Additional Special Classroom Support

• Undertake comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
• Help pupils with specialist communication skills and/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 pupil(s) with special educational needs, e.g. 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 (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in evaluation and encourage pupil(s) participation.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in the mainstream classroom under the direction of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational and medical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
• Support implementation of behavioural management programmes.
• Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.

General Classroom Support

• Assist pupils to learn effectively in group and individually by managing the learning environment.
• Clarify and explain instruction; ensure pupils can use equipment and materials.
• Motivate, encourage and reinforce pupils as required.
• Promote independence and help pupils stay on task.
• Meet physical or medical needs while encouraging independence.
• Maintain confidentiality of school policies and procedures.
• Establish supportive relationships with pupils.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources for pupils and play sessions.
• Supervise groups of pupils or individual pupils on specified activities including ICT, extracurricular activities and other duties as directed.
• Assist with off‑site activities following risk assessment.
• Provide continuity of adult care, e.g. supervising play, cloakrooms, hand washing, toileting.
• Administer prescribed medicines and handle minor cuts and grazes.
• Ensure safe environment for pupils.
• Report any signs or symptoms suggesting expert or immediate attention is required.

Administration

• Assist with classroom administration.
• Assist the class teacher and/or professionals with recording pupil(s) progress.
• Maintain pupil(s) progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about pupil(s) to the teacher.
• Duplicate written materials, produce charts and displays, record media programmes, catalogue books and resources.

Other Duties

• Attend relevant in‑service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Principal within the level of the post.

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’. If recommended for appointment to a post that involves regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be required. The cost of this certificate will be borne by the successful applicant.

Equal Opportunities

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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