Classroom Assistant

Education Authority Northern Ireland•Antrim, Belfast, Dundela Infants' School and Nursery Unit, MI

About The Position

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/board officer, assist with the educational support and care of the pupils in a designated class or classes, in or outside the classroom. The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal.

Requirements

Option 1: 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. Award level is not acceptable. AND Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience which has been gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.
Option 2: 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, Child protection and safeguarding.
Evidence of the following skills to support child-centred learning and assist with the management of the learning environment: Effective planning and organising skills, Ability to follow agreed systems and plans, Ability to work as part of 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

Have experience of play based/activity based learning in a school environment.
Have experience of outdoor learning in a school environment.
Have 1 years paid working experience in a foundation stage class.
Hold a minimum of a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
Assist, as required, 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 pupils as required, contributing to areas requiring reinforcement or development, promoting independent learning, and helping pupils concentrate on and finish work set.
Participate in classroom activities, including involvement with the curriculum, where appropriate, under the direction of the class teacher/officer.
Assume responsibility for supervising groups of children, or individual children on specified activities including talking and listening, use of library activities, using ICT, extra curricular activities and other duties.
Provide continuity of adult care of e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing and toileting.
Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately.
Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
Prepare work for pupils as directed by, and in support of, the teacher.
Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
Prepare material for play sessions e.g. making dough, paste, cutting paper, costume preparation, involvement in school dramatic activities 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 child requires expert or immediate attention.
Assist with classroom administration, e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc.
Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records.
Provide regular feedback about the pupils to the teacher.
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.
Promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.