Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Educational Needs)

Education Authority; Bangor; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational service in Bangor is seeking a Classroom Assistant to provide support for pupils with additional special educational needs. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience in a learning environment, alongside effective planning and organizing skills. You will assist with educational, personal, and administrative tasks. The role requires compassion and dedication to helping students succeed.

Benefits

Equal Opportunities Employer

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment.
• Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding.
• Ability to assist pupils with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with educational support for pupils with special educational needs.
• Help pupils with personal needs including feeding and toileting.
• Supervise groups of pupils and assist with classroom administration.

Skills

Knowledge of health and safety requirements

Planning and organizing skills

Communication skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Education

Minimum Level 2 qualification

Job description

Job Title

Classroom Assistant – Additional Special Educational Needs

Reports To

School Principal, through class teacher

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer, assist with educational support and care of pupils with special educational needs in or outside the classroom.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer.

Additional Special Classroom Support

• Undertake comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
• Help pupils with specialist communication skills and/or sensory difficulties access the curriculum.
• Deal with pupils with challenging behaviour as identified by the Educational Psychology Service as requiring additional provision.

Special Classroom Support

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupils with special educational needs, e.g. enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting etc.
• Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupils to be supported.
• Assist with authorised programmes (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil participation in such programmes.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream classroom under the direction of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational difficulties and medical difficulties pertaining to pupils’ disabilities.
• Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
• Assist pupils in moving around school and on and off transport.

General Classroom Support

• Assist 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;
• assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development;
• promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning;
• helping pupils stay on work set;
• meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupils 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 by the class teacher/officer.
• Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off‑site activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing, toileting 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 pupil requires expert or immediate attention.

Administration

• Assist with classroom administration.
• Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording pupils’ progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupils’ progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about pupils to the teacher.
• Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.

Other Duties

• Attend relevant in‑service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the Principal within the level of the post.

Qualifications and Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

• Hold a minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area obtained through a recognised accredited awarding body, and have a minimum of 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment or placement.
• OR have a minimum of 12 months’ experience working in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children and/or young people, and child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of effective planning and organising skills, ability to follow agreed systems and plans, work as part of a team, and work flexibly and creatively to support a child‑centred learning experience.
• Undertake comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures, assist pupils with specialist communication needs or sensory difficulties to access the curriculum, work with pupils with challenging behaviour, and possess working knowledge of specific areas of SEN and effective strategies to support learning.

Desirable Criteria

• Hold a minimum of level 1 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher‑level qualifications.
• Experience working with a child and/or young person with a specific special educational need.
• Experience as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a mainstream/special school setting.
• Ability to use assistive technology and digital technologies to assist learning and prepare resources.
• Proactively support pupils with complex social, emotional, and well‑being needs.

Disclosure

The Education Authority requires an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background for regulated activity. Applicants are expected to bear the cost of the certificate.

Equal Opportunities

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Information

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