Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)
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Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)
Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs (SEN)
About the Role
Job Title: Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs Reports To: The Principal (through the class teacher)
Job Purpose
Under the direction of the class teacher, outreach teacher, or Education Authority officer, this role involves assisting with the educational support and care for pupils with special educational needs, both in and outside the classroom.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The specific duties may vary as agreed with the Principal, outreach teacher, or Education Authority officer.
Special Classroom Support
- Provide one-to-one support for pupils with special educational needs (SEN), including:
- Ensuring access to the curriculum
- Assisting with personal needs (e.g., dietary requirements, feeding, toileting)
- Developing a deeper understanding of each pupil’s needs
- Supporting authorised programmes (e.g., Education Plans, Care Plans) and encouraging participation
- Implementing inclusion strategies for pupils in mainstream settings
- Assisting with minor medical/clinical needs and behaviour management programmes
- Helping pupils move around school or access transport
General Classroom Support
- Support pupils’ learning by:
- Clarifying and explaining instructions
- Ensuring proper use of equipment and materials
- Motivating and encouraging pupils
- Reinforcing learning areas where needed
- Promoting independence to enhance learning
- Managing work schedules and addressing physical/medical needs alongside encouraging self-reliance
- Maintain confidentiality regarding pupil, staff, or school matters
- Establish supportive relationships with pupils
- Prepare learning resources and supervise activities (e.g., ICT use, play sessions, extracurricular tasks)
- Follow risk assessments for off-site activities under teacher direction
- Provide continuity of care (e.g., supervising cloakrooms, handwashing, personal hygiene)
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Medical and Health Responsibilities
- Administer prescribed medicines/drugs as needed for pupils
- Handle minor injuries and maintain a safe environment
- Report concerns promptly (e.g., symptoms requiring expert attention)
Administration
- Assist with classroom record-keeping (progression monitoring, pupil progress records)
- Provide regular updates to teachers/officers
- Duplicate/tailor materials, create displays, and manage library/resources
Other Duties
- Attend relevant in-service training
- Support work placement students
- Undertake additional duties as assigned within the expected responsibilities
Note: This job description may be reviewed to adapt to changing circumstances. It provides guidelines, not a fixed framework.
Person Specification
Selection Process & Criteria
Failure to demonstrate clear links between your experience and the required criteria may result in your application not being shortlisted.
Essential Criteria
Measured at shortlisting and verified during interviews.
Option 1 or Option 2 required:
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Option 1:
- Minimum Level 2 (Certificate/Diploma) qualification (e.g., in teaching support or SEN)
- 6 weeks’ prior experience in a formal learning environment or via a relevant placement
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OR Option 2:
- 12 months’ experience in a formal educational setting
Assessment Method: Sifting through the application form, verified at interview.
- Core Knowledge:
- Health and safety responsibilities
- Child development and needs of children/young people
- Child protection and safeguarding (Verified during interview/assessment)
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Core Skills (Child-Centred Learning):
- Effective planning and organisation
- Attention to detailed systems/plans
- Teamwork
- Flexibility/creativity
- Clear communication (positive & unifying)
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Core Behaviours:
- Building trust and supportive relationships
- Empathy and discretion
Desirable but Non-Mandatory Criteria
Occasionally used to refine candidate pools (e.g., for large volumes of applications):
Qualifications & Experiences:
- Additional training in:
- Social-emotional-behavioural needs
- Language/communication support
- ASD, ADHD, or similar neuroscience-applied learning spaces
- Level 3 qualification in teaching/educational support
- Minimum Level 2 in English & Maths (or higher)
Practical Experience:
- Proven SEN support experience (aligned with individual pupil plans)
- Experience working in a specialist primary provision unit of a mainstream school
- Skills in using digital technologies for resource creation and learning aids
Additional Information
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Criminal Background Check: Required for all roles involving children as per the [Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2007 (Northern Ireland)] for regulated activities. Applicants will cover the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure certificate.
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Equal Opportunities: The Education Authority is committed to equality, diversity, and pay equity and adherence to equality legislation.
[Guides, terms, next steps, and further details are available via the [Education Authority Ireland] link—[pending link inclusion here].]
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