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 care of pupils with special educational needs who are in the teacher’s care, both inside and outside the classroom.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
(Duties may vary depending on decisions by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer.)
Special Classroom Support
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Assist the teacher in supporting and caring for pupils with special educational needs, including:
- Enabling access to curriculum learning
- Addressing personal needs such as dietary support, feeding, toileting, etc.
- Understanding each pupil’s specific needs
- Supporting authorised programmes (Education Plan, Care Plan) and participating in evaluating these programmes, while encouraging pupil engagement
- Contributing to pupil inclusion in mainstream schools under teacher direction
- Assisting with operational or non-invasive medical/clinical matters related to disabilities
- Implementing behaviour management programmes (as directed)
- Helping with pupil movement around school and navigating transport
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General Classroom Support:
- Enhance learning through:
- Clarifying and explaining instructions
- Ensuring proper use of equipment and resources
- Motivating pupils individually or in groups
- Supporting pupils requiring reinforcement of concepts
- Promoting pupil independence
- Guiding pupils to complete assigned work
- Adhere to school policies, confidentiality protocols, and sensitive home-related matters
- Build supportive relationships with pupils
- Develop or use appropriate resources to support learning objectives
- Supervise pupils in activities (ICT, curricular, extracurricular duties as instructed by teachers/officers)
- Assist with off-site activities under teacher direction and appropriate risk assessment
- Ensure continuity of care, including toileting, hand washing, and minor health-related tasks
- Provide supervision for medical-administering tasks (illness, injuries) as needed
- Maintain a safe environment and report any concerning health indicators to teachers
- Enhance learning through:
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Administration
- Assist with classroom record-keeping, including:
- Supporting progress documentation systems
- Maintaining pupil progress records
- Providing regular feedback to teachers
- Perform clerical duties like:
- Reproducing class materials
- Preparing charts/displays or recording media content
- Cataloguing and organizing pupil resources
Other Duties
- Attend relevant in-service training sessions
- Assist mentoring students during placements
- Undertake additional duties assigned by the principal/officer within the appropriate job level
- Follow guidelines adapting to evolving organizational needs
The job description is flexible and subject to review in response to changing circumstances.
Equality and Inclusion
In line with the Northern Ireland Act (1998), Section 75, the role promotes:
- Good community relations
- Equality of opportunity
- Compliance with pertinent equality legislation
Person Specification
Guidelines for Applicants
Carefully explain in your application how you meet each criterion—essential and desirable—to avoid exclusion from shortlisting.
Section 1 – Essential Criteria
(Assessed at shortlisting; explored further at interview where relevant.)
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Qualifications & Experience
Applicants must meet either Option 1 or Option 2:
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Option 1: Hold a minimum Level 2 (Certificate or Diploma) relevant qualification from a recognized body, and have at least 6 weeks experience in a formal childcare setting (including placement work for the qualification).
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Option 2: Hold 12+ months experience in a formal education-related environment.
Core Knowledge & Skills
(Demonstrate through interview or practical assessment)
- Health and safety requirements
- Child development and safeguarding knowledge
Skills:
- Organisational, adaptable problem-solving for child-centred learning
- Ability to follow established systems and plans
- Teamwork and independent, creative collaboration
- Positive communication with pupils and colleagues
Core Behaviors:
- Building and maintaining supportive relationships
- Empathizing with pupils’ needs
- Maintaining confidentiality
Section 2 – Desirable Criteria
(May determine final shortlist ranking if applicant numbers exceed capacity.)
Qualifications & Experience
- Level 3 equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
- Level 2 qualifications in English and/or Mathematics.
Background Checks
Criminal record disclosures are mandatory if pursuing roles in ‘regulated activity’ (as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007). There is a cost associated with obtaining an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate, to be covered by the applicant after selection. Further details available from the Department of Justice.
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