Nursery Assistant

Education Authority; Belfast; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education organization in Belfast seeks a Nursery Assistant to support children's educational needs in a caring environment. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, planning and evaluation of children's progress. Candidates should possess a Level 2 qualification or have relevant experience, as well as demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the early development and wellbeing of children.

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 2 qualification in a relevant area and minimum 6 weeks experience, or 12 months experience in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of health and safety and child protection.
• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships with children.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the educational support and care of children.
• Contribute to planning and reviewing of all curriculum areas.
• Observe and evaluate children's progress.

Skills

Health and safety knowledge

Planning and organizing skills

Positive communication skills

Teamwork

Empathy

Education

Level 2 qualification in a relevant area

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Nursery Assistant

REPORTS TO: The Principal through the class teacher

JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the class teacher, assist with the educational support and care of the children in a designated class, in or outside the classroom.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLASSROOM SUPPORT:

• Work as part of a team to promote efficient running of the class.
• Respect confidentiality and keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish supportive relationship with children and parents.
• Assist children learning indoors and outdoors through clarifying instruction, ensuring children can use equipment, motivating and encouraging, supporting identified areas for development (physical skills, language, behaviour).
• Contribute to planning, implementation and review of all curriculum areas as directed by the teacher.
• Prepare learning materials and resources and display children’s work.
• Observe, record and evaluate children’s progress records.
• Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
• Participate in classroom activities, including groups or individual children under direction of the teacher.
• Participate in special events/activities such as school visits.
• Promote positive behaviour in accordance with school policy.
• Ensure a safe environment for children.
• Assist with toileting, personal hygiene and dressing of children.
• Provide supervision/support including administration of routine prescribed medicines and dealing with minor cuts and bruises.
• Report to Child Protection Officer any signs or symptoms that may suggest child requires expert attention in line with child protection policy.
• Contribute to planning, purchase and preparation of daily snacks taking account of Healthy Eating Policy.

ADMINISTRATION:

• Assist with classroom administration (e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property).
• Provide regular feedback to teacher.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Attend relevant in-service training and disseminate appropriate information to colleagues.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and staff training days as required.
• Be aware of school policies and procedures and under the leadership of the teacher contribute to implementation and review of school policies and procedures.
• Such other duties as may be assigned within the level of the post.
• Participate in a supporting role in training of non-teaching students.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Hold either a Level 2 qualification in a relevant area and minimum 6 weeks experience or have minimum 12 months experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of health and safety, development needs of children, child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of effective planning and organising skills, ability to follow agreed systems, work as part of team, work flexibly and creatively, effective and positive communication skills.
• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships, empathy, confidentiality.

EEO STATEMENT

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.