Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)

Education Authority Northern Ireland•Antrim, Belfast, Knocknagoney Primary School, MI

16h

About The Position

The Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs assists with the educational support and care of pupils with special educational needs, in or outside the classroom, under the direction of the class teacher, outreach teacher or Education Authority. Precise duties are determined by the principal, outreach teacher or Education Authority officer. The role provides individual and group support, helping pupils access the curriculum, take part in authorised education and care programmes, develop independence and participate in mainstream settings where directed. Support may include attending to personal, dietary, feeding and toileting needs; helping with mobility and transport; supporting behavioural programmes; and assisting with operational or non-invasive medical and clinical difficulties related to pupils’ disabilities. The assistant helps maintain a supportive and safe learning environment, prepares resources, supervises pupils and activities, and contributes to classroom administration and pupil progress records. The post-holder must maintain confidentiality, attend relevant in-service training, and promote good relations and equality of opportunity in accordance with applicable legislation. The job description may be reviewed as circumstances change, and other similar duties appropriate to the grade may be assigned.

Requirements

Option 1: Hold a minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body, at Certificate or Diploma level; award level is not acceptable; and have at least six weeks’ experience gained in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of the Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.
OR Option 2: Have at least 12 months’ experience working in a formal learning environment.
Demonstrate working knowledge of health and safety requirements, the development needs of children and/or young people, and child protection and safeguarding.
Demonstrate effective planning and organising skills.
Be able to follow agreed systems and plans.
Be able to work as part of a team.
Be able to work flexibly and creatively to support a child-centred learning experience.
Have effective and positive communication skills.
Be able to build positive and supportive relationships.
Demonstrate empathy.
Maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Experience working as a Classroom Assistant with Key Stage 1 pupils within the last three years.
Training relevant to the role, for example in social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, language and communication, ASD or ADHD.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher with the educational support and care of pupils with special educational needs, including access to the curriculum and personal needs such as dietary, feeding and toileting needs.
Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupils being supported.
Assist with authorised programmes such as Education Plans and Care Plans, participate in evaluating support and encourage pupil participation.
Contribute to the inclusion of pupils in mainstream schools as directed by the class teacher.
Assist with operational and non-invasive medical or clinical difficulties relating to pupils’ disabilities.
Support implementation of behavioural management programmes as directed.
Assist pupils moving around school and on and off transport.
Help pupils learn in groups and individually by clarifying instructions, supporting use of equipment and materials, encouraging and motivating pupils, reinforcing or developing skills, promoting independence and helping pupils stay on task.
Meet physical and medical needs as required while encouraging pupils’ independence.
Follow school policies and procedures and maintain appropriate confidentiality concerning pupils, families, teachers and school work.
Establish supportive relationships with pupils.
Prepare and produce appropriate resources and care for materials used in play sessions.
Supervise groups or individual pupils during specified activities, including talking and listening, ICT, extracurricular activities and other directed duties.
Assist with off-site activities under the teacher’s direction and following an appropriate risk assessment.
Provide continuity of adult care, including supervision of play and cloakrooms and support with handwashing and toileting.
Provide supervision and support, including administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for ill children, and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
Help ensure a safe environment and report signs or symptoms that may require expert or immediate attention to the class teacher.
Assist with classroom administration and with systems for recording pupil progress.
Contribute to maintaining pupil progress records and provide regular feedback to the teacher or officer.
Duplicate written materials; assist with 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.
Carry out other similar duties appropriate to the grade as assigned by the principal, outreach teacher or Education Authority officer.
Promote good relations and equality of opportunity and have due regard for equality legislation.