Classroom Assistant

Education Authority; Newtownabbey; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education authority in Northern Ireland seeks a classroom assistant to support teachers in delivering high-quality education. The role involves fostering a positive learning environment, managing classroom activities, and ensuring the well-being of students. Ideal candidates will be motivated, patient, and skilled in fostering independent learning among pupils, contributing to their educational journey.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in an educational setting is preferred.
• Ability to assist with classroom management and individual learning.
• Understand school policies and confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
• Supervise groups or individual children on specified activities.
• Maintain a safe environment for pupils and report concerns.

Skills

Motivation

Communication

Patience

Education

Teaching assistant qualification or equivalent

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

JOB PURPOSE

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.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal.

CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• 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, e.g., language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting/presentation etc;
• - promoting independent learning;
• - 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, extracurricular activities and other duties.

Provide continuity of adult care 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.

ADMINISTRATION

• 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.

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.