Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)(Specialist Provision)
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Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)(Specialist Provision)
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 role involves assisting with the educational support and care of pupils with special educational needs, both in and outside the classroom.
Key Responsibilities
Special Classroom Support
- Assist the teacher in supporting and caring for pupils with special educational needs, including:
- Enabling access to the curriculum
- Addressing personal needs (e.g., dietary requirements, feeding, toileting)
- Developing an understanding of individual pupil needs
- Work alongside authorised programmes (e.g., Education Plan, Care Plan) and encourage pupil participation.
- Support inclusion in mainstream school settings.
- Assist with operational and non-invasive medical challenges related to disabilities.
- Implement behavioural management programmes as directed.
- Help pupils navigate within the school and manage transport to/from off-site activities.
General Classroom Support
- Enhance learning effectiveness by:
- Clarifying and explaining instructions
- Ensuring proper use of classroom equipment and materials
- Motivating and encouraging pupils
- Reinforcing learning needs and promoting independence
- Supporting students to stay on task
- Addressing physical/medical needs while encouraging self-reliance
- Maintain confidentiality regarding pupil, teacher, school, or home-related information.
- Build trusted relationships with pupils.
- Prepare and manage resources for play sessions and activities.
- Supervise individual or group activities (e.g., listening/reading, ICT, extracurricular tasks) under teacher direction.
- Assist with risk-assessed off-site activities (under teacher guidance).
- Provide continuity of care, such as supervising cloakrooms, handwashing, and toileting.
- Manage medication and minor health issues (e.g., cuts, administering prescriptions).
- Ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
- Report concerning symptoms or behavioural anomalies to the teacher.
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Administrative Duties
- Support classroom administration by:
- Assisting with progress recording systems.
- Maintaining progress records.
- Providing regular updates on pupil advancements to the teacher.
- Creating display materials, duplicating documents, and cataloguing resources.
Additional Responsibilities
- Attend relevant training programmes.
- Support work placement students with practical tasks. -undertake other duties assigned by the Principal, Outreach Teacher, or Education Authority.
Person Specification
Section 1: Essential Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
Option 1 (Academic + Experience)
- Hold a Level 2 (or equivalent) Certificate or Diploma (not Award level) from a recognised provider and
- Have 6 weeks of relevant working experience (formal or placement-based).
Option 2 (Work Experience)
- Have 12 months of formal work experience in a learning environment.
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Core Knowledge & Checks
- Proven health and safety awareness.
- Understanding of child development needs and child protection/safeguarding policies.
Core Skills
- Ability to plan and organise effectively.
- Willingness to follow agreed systems and teaching plans.
- Competence in teamwork and flexible problem-solving.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Core Behaviours
- Demonstrates ability to build positive relationships.
- Exhibits empathy and discretion.
- Aligns with school values and ethos.
Section 2: Desirable Criteria
While not compulsory, the following strengthen applications:
- 1+ year of experience in SEN support.
- 6+ months as a Classroom Assistant in mainstream or specialist settings.
- Level 3 (or equivalent) Certificate or Diploma in a related field.
- 6 months special needs teaching/provision unit experience.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate alignment with essential and desirable criteria in your application; omission may disqualify you.
- Statement date apply as much detail as possible.
- Criminal background disclosure is required for roles involving "regulated activity". An Enhanced Disclosure (cost applies) may be mandatory if shortlisted.
Equal Opportunities
The Education Authority adheres to equality policies and values diversity. For broader information on benefits and opportunities, visit Education Authority’s website.
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