Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) - Specialist Provision Unit

Education Authority Northern Ireland•Antrim, Belfast, Carr's Glen Primary School, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/ Education Authority. This role involves supporting pupils with special educational needs in a Specialist Provision Unit, contributing to their inclusion in mainstream schools, and assisting with their personal, educational, and medical needs.

Requirements

Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body (Certificate or Diploma level, award level is not acceptable).
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.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of health and safety requirements.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of development needs of children and/or young people.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of child protection and safeguarding.
Evidence of 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.
Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
Empathy.
Confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Completed training relevant to the role/statement, for example: Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, Language and communication, ASD, ADHD.
Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent level) 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.
Specific experience of working with a children/ young person with special educational needs.
Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting i.e. primary school.
Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.
Ability to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs, enabling access to the curriculum and attending to personal needs including dietary, feeding, and toileting.
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.
Assist pupil(s) learn effectively in group situations and individually by managing the learning environment, clarifying instructions, ensuring pupils can use equipment, motivating pupils, assisting in areas requiring reinforcement, promoting independence, and helping pupils stay on task.
Meet physical/medical needs while encouraging independence.
Be aware of school policies, procedures, and confidential issues, and maintain confidentiality.
Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils.
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.
Under the direction of the teacher and following a risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
Provide continuity of adult care, supervising play and cloakrooms, 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 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.
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/officer.
Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, and catalogue and process books and resources.
Attend relevant in-service training.
Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
Undertake such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.