Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)
Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs
Reports To: The Principal, through the class teacher
About the Role
Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, this position provides educational support and care for pupils with special educational needs, both inside and outside the classroom.
Key Responsibilities
Special Classroom Support
- Assist teachers in enabling access to the curriculum and address personal needs (dietary, feeding, toileting, etc.).
- Develop an understanding of pupils' individual conditions and support authorised programmes (including Education Plans and Care Plans).
- Contribute to inclusive education efforts under the class teacher’s guidance.
- Manage behaviour and operational/medical-related challenges as required.
- Assist with safety, including transport and on-site mobility support.
General Classroom Support
- Enhance learning by:
- Clarifying lesson instructions
- Facilitating equipment/material use
- Motivating pupils for independence
- Uphold confidentiality and awareness of school/social policies.
- Prepare learning resources, supervise pupils, and support specialised activities (ICT, extra-curricular groups, etc.).
- Administer prescribed medication and minor First Aid as necessary.
- Maintain a safe environment and alert teachers to health/medical concerns.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Administrative Tasks
- Assist with classroom administration and pupil progress recording.
- Handle record-keeping, materials duplication, and organisational duties.
- Support training for work-placement students.
Note: Duties may evolve based on organisational needs, in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
Personal Specification
Essential Criteria
Must meet one of the following:
-
Option 1:
- Qualification: Level 2 (or equivalent) certificate/diploma in a relevant area.
- Experience: 6+ weeks in a formal learning environment or related placement.
-
Option 2:
- Minimum 12 months experience in a formal learning setting.
Additional mandatory requirements:
- Core Knowledge:
- Health and safety compliance
- Child/young person development needs
- Child protection & safeguarding practices.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
-
Core Skills:
- Effective planning; adherence to systems/plans
- Teamwork; flexibility in a child-centred environment
- Strong communication skills.
-
Core Behaviours:
- Positive relationship-building
- Empathy
- Confidentiality
Note: Applicants must demonstrate full alignment with essential criteria in their application to avoid elimination.
Desirable Criteria
(Applied at shortlisting if essential criteria are met)
-
Qualifications:
- Training in social/emotional/behavioural needs, communication disorders (e.g., ASD, ADHD).
- Level 3 qualifications in a related subject.
-
Experience:
- Additional formal learning experience, especially with SEN pupils.
- Prior post-primary classroom support experience
- Digital technology use for learning/resource preparation.
Safeguarding Note: Criminal background checks for regulated activity must be completed if appointed.
[View Applicant Guidance & Terms/Benefits](links included)
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills