Education Authority Northern Ireland
Classroom Assistant (Foundation Stage)
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Classroom Assistant
Job Title
Reports To
- The Principal, through the class teacher
Job Purpose
Under the direction of the class teacher, outreach teacher, or board officer, assist with the educational support and care of pupils in a designated class or classes, both in and outside the classroom.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The precise duties will be determined by the Principal.
Classroom Support
- Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
- Support pupils in learning by:
- Clarifying and explaining instructions.
- Ensuring pupils can use provided equipment and materials effectively.
- Motivating and encouraging pupils as needed.
- Reinforcing or developing areas such as language, behaviour, reading, spelling, and handwriting.
- Promoting independent learning.
- Helping pupils concentrate on and complete assigned work.
- Participate in classroom activities, including curriculum involvement, under the direction of the teacher.
- Supervise groups or individual children for activities, including:
- Talking and listening sessions.
- Library and ICT use.
- Extracurricular activities.
- Provide continuous adult care, including supervising play, cloakrooms, hand washing, and toileting.
- Adhere to school policies, showing awareness of home/pupil/teacher-related confidentiality.
- Build supportive relationships with pupils.
- Prepare and support pupil work as directed by the teacher.
- Set up, clean, and maintain classroom equipment and resources.
- Prepare materials for play sessions (e.g., dough, paste, paper cutting, costumes, dramatic activities).
- Supervise/minister prescribed medicines for unwell pupils and assist with minor illnesses like cuts or grazes.
- Ensure a safe environment.
- Report concerns to the class teacher if a pupil shows signs of needing expert or immediate attention.
Administration
- Assist with classroom administration (e.g., collecting dinner money, lost property).
- Duplicate materials, produce charts/displays, record programmes, and catalogue resources.
- Maintain pupil progress records.
- Provide regular feedback on pupils’ progress to the teacher.
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Other Duties
- Attend relevant training/inservice workshops.
- Support work placement students with practical tasks.
- Perform additional duties assigned by the Principal, outreach teacher, or authority officer.
- This job description is not fixed and may evolve with changing circumstances.
Core Commitments
In accordance with the Northern Ireland Act (1998), Section 75, the role holder must:
- Promote good relations.
- Ensure equality of opportunity.
- Adhere to equality legislation.
Person Specification
Notes to Job Applicants
✅ Clearly outline in your application how you meet each criterion. Failure to do so may disqualify you from shortlisting. ✅ Apply criteria knowledge from the following sections based on deadline guidelines.
Section 1 – Essential Criteria (Shortlisting stage; verified at interview)
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Method of Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications & Experience | **Option 1 (or Option 2 available): |
- A minimum Level 2 qualification (e.g., Certificate or Diploma) in a relevant field.
- 6-week minimum experience from a formal learning environment or placement. OR
- 12-month minimum experience in a formal learning environment. Must never include Restricted Award Level education. | Sifting by Application Form; Interview | | Knowledge | Demonstrate knowledge of:
- Health and safety requirements
- Child development & safeguarding
- Child protection rules | Interview/Assessment | | Skills | Evidence of:
- Effective planning and organization.
- Following agreed teaching systems.
- Teamwork
- Flexibility and creativity for child-centred learning.
- Strong communication skills. | Interview/Assessment | | Behaviours | Ability to:
- Build supportive relationships with pupils.
- Show empathy and confidentiality. | Interview |
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Section 2 – Desirable Criteria (Applied at shortlisting in priority order)
| Factor | Desirable Criteria | Method of Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | - A minimum Level 2 standard in English and Mathematics (higher otherwise acceptable). | |
| OR |
- Experience working as a Primary School Classroom Assistant | Sifting by Application Form | | Experience | Primary school Setting and Tech Skills – Familiarity with digital learning tools for teaching and resource creation. | |
Additional Note: If recommended for a post involving regulated activity, Enhanced Criminal Disclosure will be required. Costs involved will be communicated later. (Refer to Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Order 2007).
For support applying, visit: 🔗 Applicant Guidance Notes 💼 Benefits
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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