Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)

Education Authority; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland invites applications for a Classroom Support role to assist with the care and education of pupils with special educational needs, both in and out of the classroom.

You will work under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher and Education Authority staff, supporting inclusion, managing learning environments, and contributing to pupil progress records while participating in relevant training.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting pupils with special educational needs.
• Ability to assist in inclusive classroom settings.
• Willingness to participate in training and development.

Responsibilities

• Assist with care and support for pupils with special educational needs in and out of class.
• Support learning by clarifying instructions, organising materials and encouraging participation.
• Assist with admin tasks and recording pupil progress.
• Help with movement and transport arrangements where required.
• Contribute to inclusion in mainstream settings.
• Attend relevant in-service training and professional development.

Job description

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 in implementing 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.

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.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.