Nursery Assistant

Education Authority - Northern Ireland•Bangor, ME

About The Position

Under the direction of the class teacher, the Nursery Assistant supports the education and care of children in a designated class, indoors or outdoors. The role works as part of a team to support children’s learning, development, wellbeing and safety, and to help maintain an effective learning environment. The Principal determines the precise duties, which may include the responsibilities listed in the job description. The post-holder supports classroom activities and the curriculum, prepares learning materials, contributes to planning and reviewing learning, and helps observe and record children’s progress. The role also involves supporting children’s personal care, promoting positive behaviour, maintaining a safe environment, communicating appropriately with parents and colleagues, and handling confidential information. The Nursery Assistant may assist with classroom administration, attend training and staff meetings, support school events and visits, and help train non-teaching students. The post-holder is expected to promote good relations and equality of opportunity and comply with relevant equality legislation.

Requirements

Meet one of the following qualification and experience options: hold at least a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body at Certificate or Diploma level, and have at least six weeks’ experience in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of that qualification; or have 12 months’ experience working in a formal learning environment.
Demonstrate working knowledge of health and safety requirements.
Demonstrate working knowledge of the development needs of children and/or young people.
Demonstrate working knowledge of 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.
Demonstrate effective and positive communication skills.
Be able to build positive and supportive relationships.
Demonstrate empathy.
Maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

An additional 12 months’ paid experience working in a formal nursery learning environment.
Specific experience working with a child or children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or challenging behaviour.
Specific formal training and/or qualifications related to supporting children with special educational needs (SEN).
Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and preparing resources.

Responsibilities

Work as part of a team under the teacher’s leadership to promote the efficient running of the class.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality concerning home, child and teacher relationships.
Establish supportive relationships with children and parents.
Support children’s learning indoors and outdoors by clarifying instructions, helping them use equipment and resources, encouraging and motivating them, and supporting identified developmental needs.
Contribute, as directed by the teacher, to planning, implementing and reviewing curriculum areas.
Prepare learning materials and resources and contribute to planning, preparation and display of children’s work.
Contribute to observing, recording and evaluating children’s progress as directed by the teacher.
Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
Participate in classroom activities with groups or individual children under the teacher’s direction.
Participate in special events and activities, including school visits.
Promote positive behaviour in accordance with school policy and help ensure a safe environment for children.
Assist children with toileting, personal hygiene and dressing.
Provide supervision and support, including administering routine prescribed medicines and drugs to children who are ill and dealing with minor cuts and bruises.
Report signs or symptoms that may indicate a child requires expert or immediate attention to the designated Child Protection Officer, in line with child protection policy.
Contribute to planning, purchasing and preparing daily snacks in accordance with the school or Board Healthy Eating Policy.
Assist with classroom administration, such as collecting dinner money and handling lost property.
Provide regular feedback about children to the teacher.
Attend relevant in-service training and share appropriate information with colleagues.
Participate in staff meetings and staff training days as required.
Be aware of school policies and procedures and contribute, under the teacher’s leadership, to their implementation and review.
Undertake other duties appropriate to the level of the post as assigned.
Participate in a supporting role in training non-teaching students.
Promote good relations and equality of opportunity and have due regard for equality legislation.