Teacher - Primary - Foundation Stage (Maternity)

Education Authority (Northern Ireland); Belfast; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is seeking a dedicated Teacher for primary education in Belfast. The role includes planning lessons, promoting pupil well-being, and meeting essential criteria such as relevant teaching qualifications and experience in the Foundation Stage.

Registered applicants must have at least two years of teaching experience. The position involves a commitment to equality and safeguarding, with full-time responsibilities totaling 1,265 hours annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of paid teaching in the Foundation Stage.
• Knowledge of Northern Ireland Curriculum and safeguarding.
• Experience with diverse learners and digital classroom tools.

Responsibilities

• Planning and preparing courses and lessons.
• Promoting pupils’ progress and well-being.
• Co-operating with external bodies and participating in meetings.

Skills

Effective teaching and classroom management skills

Initiative and problem solving

Collaboration and team motivation

Digital media/technology usage

Education

Teaching qualification recognized for grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland

Registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI)

Job description

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Clearly demonstrate on your application how you meet the required criteria for both essential and desirable.
• Demonstrate criteria by the closing date unless otherwise stated.
• The selection stage for each criterion is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting is based on the essential criteria set out in Section 1 using information from your application.
• The selection panel reserves the right to shortlist those applicants who most strongly meet the criteria.
• In case of many applications, the panel may apply desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in the order listed.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are essential criteria, initially measured at shortlisting. They may be further explored during interview/selection.

• Qualifications / Professional Membership – Hold a teaching qualification recognised for grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland, qualified by the closing date. Shortlisting by application.
• Experience – Minimum two years of paid teaching in the Foundation Stage. Demonstrated use of a range of classroom strategies for all abilities, including those with SEN, and use of digital media/technology. Shortlisting by application.
• Other – Registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up the post. Pre‑employment check.

SECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Additional essential criteria measured during interview.

• Knowledge – Northern Ireland Curriculum; safeguarding and child protection; SEND Code of Practice; teaching strategies for diverse learners; use of digital classroom tools and tablets; current assessment methods.
• Skills / Abilities – Effective teaching and classroom management skills to inspire and challenge; supportive inclusive environment; initiative, problem solving, flexibility; collaborative work; team motivation.
• Values Orientation / School Ethos – Evidence of how your experience and approach reflect the school’s values and ethos.

SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria applied in order listed for a manageable candidate pool.

• Demonstrated integration of the Principles of Nurture into practice.
• Minimum five years’ teaching in the Foundation Stage or Key Stage One.
• Experience monitoring pupil progress, target setting, and intervention.
• Contribution to extra‑curricular life and parental engagement.
• Assisting delivery of a curricular subject.
• Teaching pupils for whom English is a second language.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

Regulated activity requires an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Applicant will pay the cost of the certificate during the pre‑employment stage.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Teacher – Primary

REPORTS TO: Principal

PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF A TEACHER

• Planning and preparing courses and lessons; teaching, marking, assessing, and recording pupil progress.
• Promoting pupils’ progress and well‑being and providing advice on educational, social matters, further education and future careers.
• Providing records and reports on personal and social needs; consulting with parents.
• Co‑operating with external bodies approved by the employing authority and board of governors; participating in related meetings.
• Contributing to oral and written assessments and reports of pupils and groups.
• Participating in staff development schemes and performance reviews.
• Reviewing teaching methods and programmes; arranging further training.
• Advising and cooperating with the principal and other teachers on curriculum, materials, assessment and pastoral arrangements.
• Maintaining order and discipline, safeguarding health and safety when pupils are at school and during authorised activities elsewhere.
• Participating in meetings related to curriculum and organisational matters.
• Preparing pupils for public examinations, assessing them, and recording and reporting such assessments.
• Contributing to the selection, professional development and induction of other teachers, including probationary teachers, and managing other teachers.
• Performing administrative tasks such as ordering and allocating equipment, supporting staff and supervising ancillary staff.
• Attending assemblies, registering pupil attendance and supervising pupils outside school premises.
• Full‑time teacher works 195 days a year, not more than 190 teaching days, with a total of 1,265 hours per year. Limits of 25 teaching hours per week for primary and 23.5 for secondary. Breaks of at least 30 minutes between 12:00 and 14:00.
• Providing staff cover by supervising or teaching absent pupils, based on enrolment and duty limits.
• Job description subject to review; additional similar duties may be assigned as required.
• Promotes good relations, equality of opportunity and pay, and compliance with equality legislation.