Classroom Assistant (SEN) x 3 Posts

Job Description

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/Education Authority, assist with the educational support and 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 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 in such programmes.
• 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 learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment through:
• Clarifying and explaining instruction.
• Ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided.
• Assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupil(s) as required.
• Assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development.
• Promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning.
• Helping pupil(s) 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 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.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• 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.
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification; OR have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of Health and safety requirements, Development needs of children and/or young people, and Child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of skills to support child-centred learning and assist with the management of the learning environment including 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, and effective and positive communication skills.
• Core behaviours: ability to build positive and supportive relationships, empathy, confidentiality.

Desirable Criteria

• Have completed training relevant to the role (e.g. 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.
• Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
• Specific experience working with a child/young person with special educational needs/ particular need as per statement.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a post-primary school setting.
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.

Disclosure of Criminal Background: If recommended for a post involving regulated activity, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. You will be expected to meet the cost of the certificate at the pre-employment stage.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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