Education Authority Northern Ireland
Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)
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Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs
Reports to: The Principal, through the class teacher
Job Purpose
Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs who is/are in the teacher’s care in or outside the classroom.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Special Classroom Support
- Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs.
- Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported.
- Assist with authorised programmes (e.g., Education Plan, Care Plan).
- Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools.
- Assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
- Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
- Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.
General Classroom Support
- Assist pupil(s) learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own.
- Be aware of school policies, procedures, and confidential issues.
- Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
- Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s).
- Supervise groups of pupils, or individual pupils on specified activities.
- Assist with off-site activities under the direction of the teacher.
- Provide continuity of adult care including supervising play and cloakrooms.
- Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines.
- Ensure a safe environment for pupils.
- Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.
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Administration
- Assist with classroom administration.
- Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupil(s) progress.
- Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
- Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher/officer.
- Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
Other Duties
- Attend relevant in-service training.
- Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
- Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Qualifications and Experience:
- Option 1: Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area and have a minimum of 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment.
- OR Option 2: Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
- Core Knowledge:
- Health and safety requirements.
- Development needs of children and/or young people.
- Child protection and safeguarding.
- Skills:
- Effective planning and organising skills.
- Ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to work flexibly and creatively.
- Effective and positive communication skills.
- Core Behaviours:
- Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
- Empathy.
- Confidentiality.
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Desirable Criteria
- Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area.
Disclosure of Criminal Background
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. You will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
Applicant Guidance Notes
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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