Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Educational Needs)

Job Description

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

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer.

Additional Special Classroom Support

• Undertake more 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 as requiring additional provision.

Special Classroom Support

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs – enabling access to the curriculum, attending 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 in such programmes.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream classroom under the direction of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational difficulties and medical 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 effectively in group situations and on their own by managing the learning environment through:
  • 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 set.
  • Meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst 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, extra‑curricular activities and other duties as directed by the class teacher/officer.
• Under the direction of the teacher and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off‑site activities.
• 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 as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest 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(s) progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher.
• 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.
• Undertake other duties as may be assigned by the Principal within the level of the post.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

• Qualifications and Experience:
  • Hold a minimum 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 a Level 2 qualification, or alternatively 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 help ensure a child‑centred learning experience.
  • Evidence of undertaking more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
  • Assisting pupils with specialist communication needs or sensory difficulties to access the curriculum.
  • Working with pupils with challenging behaviour.
  • Working knowledge of specific areas of SEN and implications for learning.
  • Working knowledge of effective strategies 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.

Person Specification – Desirable Criteria

• Qualifications:
  • Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area.
  • Hold a minimum of Level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher‑level qualifications.
• Experience (options):
  • Experience working with a child and/or young person with a specific special educational need (SLD).
  • Experience working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a special school setting.
• Further SEN Skills:
  • Ability to deal with challenging behaviour.
  • Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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