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 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., enabling access to the curriculum, attending 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 participation.
- 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 related to pupil 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 to learn effectively both in groups and individually by managing the learning environment through:
- Clarifying and explaining instructions;
- Ensuring pupils can use provided equipment and materials;
- Motivating and encouraging pupils as needed;
- Reinforcing or developing areas as required;
- Promoting independence to enhance learning;
- Helping pupils stay on task;
- Meeting physical/medical needs while encouraging independence.
- Be aware of school policies, procedures, and confidentiality issues related to home, pupil, teacher, and school work.
- Establish supportive relationships with pupils.
- Prepare and produce resources to support pupils and manage materials for play sessions.
- Supervise groups or individual pupils during activities, including using ICT, extracurricular activities, and other duties as directed.
- Assist with off-site activities under the teacher’s guidance and following risk assessments.
- Provide continuity of care, supervise play and cloakrooms, including hand washing and toileting.
- Support with administering prescribed medicines and dealing with minor injuries.
- Ensure a safe environment for pupils.
- Report any signs or symptoms indicating a pupil requires immediate or expert attention.
ADMINISTRATION
- Assist with classroom administration.
- Help implement systems for recording pupil progress.
- Maintain pupil progress records.
- Provide feedback about pupils to the teacher or officer.
- Assist with duplicating materials, creating charts/displays, recording media, and processing resources.
OTHER DUTIES
- Attend relevant training.
- Assist work placement students with tasks.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority within the post’s level.
This job description is subject to review and may include other duties of a similar nature appropriate to the grade. The post-holder is also expected to promote equality and good relations in accordance with legislation. For more details, see the provided links.