Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)

Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs

Reports to: The Principal, through the class teacher.

Job Purpose: Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, 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.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

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 the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil(s) 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/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
• Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
• Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.

General Classroom Support

• Assist pupils to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by managing the learning environment:
  • Clarifying and explaining instruction.
  • Ensuring pupils can use equipment and materials provided.
  • Assisting in motivating and encouraging pupils as required.
  • Assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development.
  • Promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning.
  • Helping pupils stay on work.
  • Meeting physical/medical needs as required while encouraging independence.
• 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 and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s) and take care of 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 by the class teacher/officer.
• Assist with off‑site activities following an appropriate risk assessment.
• Provide continuity of adult care e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing, toileting 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 a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed that may suggest 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 the pupil(s) progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) 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 other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/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; the qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level.
  • Have a minimum of six weeks experience gained 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 twelve months’ experience working in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of:
  • Health and safety requirements;
  • Development needs of children and/or young people;
  • Child protection and safeguarding.
• Demonstrate the following 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 support a child‑centred learning experience.
  • Effective and positive communication skills.
• Demonstrate the following core behaviours:
  • Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
  • Empathy.
  • Confidentiality.

Desirable Criteria

• 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.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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