Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Classroom Assistant
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Classroom Assistant
Classroom Assistant
Reports To: The Principal, through the class teacher
Job Purpose
Under the direction of the class teacher, outreach teacher, or Educational Authority officer, assist with the educational support and care of pupils in designated classes, both inside and outside the classroom.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Classroom Support
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Assist the teacher in the efficient management and running of the classroom.
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Support pupil learning through:
- Clarifying and explaining instructions.
- Ensuring pupils can correctly use provided equipment and materials.
- Motivating and encouraging pupils in both group and independent settings.
- Reinforcing areas such as language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting, and presentation.
- Promoting independent learning and helping pupils focus on and complete tasks.
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Participate in classroom activities, including curriculum-related tasks, as directed by the class teacher/office.
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Supervise groups of children or individuals during structured activities (e.g., library time, ICT use, extracurricular work).
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Provide continuous supervision during breaks, cloakroom duties, and personal care (e.g., handwashing, toileting).
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Adhere to school policies on confidentiality for staff, pupils, and academic materials.
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Build supportive relationships with pupils.
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Prepare work materials, lesson aids, and props under teacher guidance (e.g., craft materials, educational resources).
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Maintain classroom organisation, including setting up, cleaning, and storing equipment.
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Provide supervision and assistance (e.g., administering prescribed medicines, first aid for minor injuries, medical needs).
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Observe pupils and report signs of medical concerns, developmental issues, or behavioural changes.
Administration
- Assist with classroom logistics: collecting dinner money, managing lost property, and security checks.
- Handle administrative tasks, including:
- Replicating resources (e.g., worksheets, charts).
- Cataloguing and organising books, equipment, and digital media.
- Maintaining pupil progress records.
- Providing regular feedback to teachers regarding pupil development.
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Additional Duties
- Attend in-service training to support professional development.
- Support work placement students in practical tasks.
- Perform flexible additional duties as assigned (within the job level) by the Principal, Outreach Teacher, or Education Authority representative.
This role is subject to ongoing review and may evolve to accommodate changes to curriculum or school requirements.
Key Requirements
Apply through the application form, clearly demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria below at each stage.
1. Essential Criteria
(Shortlisting and interview assessment)
Education & Experience (Select one of the following):
Option 1:
- Hold a minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) accredited qualification in a relevant field (expiring at Certificate or Diploma level, not Award Level).
- minimum of 6 weeks’ placement or work-based experience in a formal learning setting via this qualification.
Option 2:
- 12 months’ general experience in a formal learning environment.
Knowledge & Expertise
Demonstrate competence in:
- Health and safety requirements (e.g., child welfare guidelines).
- Developmental needs of children/young people (e.g., emotional, social, educational progress).
- Child protection and safeguarding protocols.
Skills:
(Projects at shortlisting/interview via related evidence:)
- Effective planning and organisation for child-centred learning.
- Ability to follow agreed systems and procedures.
- Teamwork and multilateral collaboration.
- Adaptability and creative problem-solving for learners’ needs.
- Strong communication skills (oral and written/verbal).
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Behaviours:
(Assessed at interview via situation examples):
- Developing supportive and trusting relationships.
- Showing empathy and understanding with pupils.
- Genuine confidence in confidentiality and discretion.
2. Desirable Criteria
(Applied if required to narrow selection pools—list applied in order below)
Education: (Verify via verified forms at interview if shortlisted)
- A Level 2 qualification in English and/or Mathematics (or equivalent higher-level certification).
Experience:
- Additional skills within a formal learning environment (extending beyond required criteria).
- Prior one-to-one or group support for children.
- Hands-on experience as a Classroom Assistant in nursery, primary school, or comparable^{1}* settings.
- Digital technology skills to enhance teaching activities and prepare materials.
Disclosure & Fees
Should you proceed to the appointment stage for regulated activity, Enhanced Criminal Disclosure will be required. All fees will be the applicant’s responsibility; administrative details will be provided later.
Up-to-date guidance: Check NI Direct or Department of Justice.
*This role is part of the Education Authority, committed to equal opportunities for all applicants.
Please visit [insights page](link provided) for our benefits packages.
^{1}Direct references may be included as evidence at interview.
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