Education Authority Northern Ireland
Classroom Assistant
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Classroom Assistant
Job Title: Classroom Assistant
Reports To: The Principal, through the class teacher
Job Purpose
Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/board officer, assist with the educational support and care of the pupils in a designated class or classes, including those inside or outside the classroom.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The specific duties of this role will be determined by the principal.
Classroom Support
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Assist the teacher in efficiently managing the class.
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Ensure pupils are able to learn effectively, both in group activities and independently, by helping with:
- Clarifying and explaining instructions
- Assisting pupils with the use of equipment and provided materials
- Motivating and encouraging children as required
- Supporting areas needing reinforcement or development (e.g., language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting/presentation)
- Promoting independent learning
- Helping pupils concentrate on and finish set work
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Participate in classroom activities, including involvement in the curriculum, under the teacher’s direction.
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Supervise groups of children or individual pupils during activities such as:
- Talking and listening
- Library activities
- ICT usage
- Extra-curricular activities
- Other assigned duties
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Provide continuity in adult care for activities such as:
- Supervising play and cloakrooms
- Ensuring handwashing and toileting needs are met
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Adhere to school policies, procedures, and confidentiality guidelines for home/student disputes, teacher concerns, or school-related matters.
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Establish a supportive relationship with pupils.
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Prepare instructional materials as directed by the teacher.
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Set up, clean, and maintain classroom equipment and materials routinely.
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Prepare materials for play sessions, including:
- Making dough or paste
- Cutting paper
- Costume preparation
- Participation in dramatic school activities
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Provide supervision and support, including:
- Administering prescribed medicines and drugs for ill children
- Assisting with minor first aid (e.g., cuts and grazes)
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Prioritise ensuring a safe learning environment as far as possible.
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Report to the teacher any signs or symptoms that suggest a child requires expert or immediate attention.
Administration
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Assist with classroom admin, such as:
- Collecting dinner money
- Handling lost property
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Create duplications of written materials, assist in:
- Producing charts and displays
- Recording radio and television programs
- Managing books and resources
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Maintain pupil progress records.
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Provide regular feedback on pupil performance to the teacher.
Other Duties
- Attend relevant in-service training.
- Support work placement students with practical tasks.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the principal, outreach teacher, or education authority officer within the scope of this role.
This role description will be reviewed periodically to accommodate changing circumstances. It is intended as a guideline rather than an exhaustive list of duties.
The post-holder is expected to uphold good relations, equal opportunities, and comply with equality legislation in keeping with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
For the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
Section 1: Essential Criteria and Assessment
Qualifications and Experience
Either
- A minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised awarding body (Certificate or Diploma level only). This is combined with six weeks of relevant experience obtained through work in a formal learning environment or a placement as part of your qualification. Or
- Twelve months’ experience working in a formal learning environment directly with children.
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Knowledge
Demonstrate an understanding of:
- Health and safety requirements
- Development needs of children/young people
- Child protection and safeguarding policies
Skills
Show evidence of:
- Effective planning and organising skills
- Ability to follow established systems and agreed plans
- Teamwork
- Flexibility and creativity to ensure a child-centred approach
- Strong communication skills, oral written, and interpersonal
Behaviours
- Ability to build positive and supportive relationships
- Displaying empathy
- Showcases confidentiality
Section 2: Desirable Criteria
Some or all of these criteria may be considered to refine the selection pool. You should highlight how you meet these in your application.
Qualifications and Experience
- Hold a minimum Level 2 attainment in English and/or Mathematics, or higher equivalent qualifications.
- Additional experience working in a formal learning environment.
- Experience of working with children.
- Specific background with children in nursery/primary education settings.
- Competency in using digital technologies for both learning and resource preparation.
Disclosure Requirements
In compliance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, applicants must pass an Enhanced Disclosure check if they are placed in a role involving regulated activity. The applicant is responsible for covering the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.
Applicant Guidance Notes
[TBD for guidance notes details]
Learn about the benefits of joining the Education Authority [here](click here).
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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