Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)

Education Authority; Ballynahinch; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational agency in Northern Ireland is looking for a Classroom Assistant to support pupils with special educational needs. Responsibilities include assisting in the classroom, monitoring students' progress, and promoting a positive learning environment. Applicants should have a minimum Level 2 qualification and relevant experience in educational settings. This role is essential for fostering inclusivity and helping students succeed.

Benefits

Equal Opportunities Employer

In-service training opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment or through a relevant placement.
• Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding.
• Core knowledge of health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational support of pupils with special educational needs.
• Supervise and assist pupils during class and activities.
• Provide regular feedback about pupil progress to the teacher.

Skills

Effective communication

Empathy

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

Level 2 qualification in relevant area

Level 3 qualification in relevant area (desirable)

Job description

JOB TITLE

Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs

REPORTS TO

The Principal, through the class teacher

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs who is/are in the teacher’s care 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.

SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) 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 pupil(s) to be supported.
• Assist with authorised programmes (e.g., Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil(s) participation in such programmes.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools under the directions of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational difficulties and non‑invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
• Support the implementation of behavioural management programmes as directed.
• Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.

GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Assist pupil(s) 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 pupil(s) as required.
• Assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development.
• Promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning.
• Helping pupil(s) stay on work set.
• Meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.
• Being aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and keeping confidences appropriately.
• Establishing a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Preparing and producing appropriate resources to support pupil(s) and taking care of material for play sessions.
• Supervising 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, assisting with off‑site activities.
• Providing continuity of adult care such as supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing, toileting, etc.
• Providing supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and dealing with minor cuts and grazes.
• Ensuring as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
• Reporting 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 the pupil(s) progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher/officer.
• 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.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post‑holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential and desirable criteria are outlined in the application guidelines.

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
• The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
• Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
• In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

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.

Core Knowledge

• Health and safety requirements.
• Development needs of children and/or young people.
• Child protection and safeguarding.

Interview/Assessment Skills

• Effective planning and organising skills.
• Ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child‑centred learning experience.
• Effective and positive communication skills.

Core Behaviours

• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
• Empathy.
• Confidentiality.

SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Qualification

• Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher‑level qualifications.

Experience

• Specific experience of working with children/young person with special educational needs/ particular need as per statement.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre‑employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer