Nursery Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Nursery Assistant

REPORTS TO: The Principal through the class teacher

JOB PURPOSE Under the direction of the class teacher, assist with the educational support and care of the children in a designated class, in or outside the classroom.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The precise duties of the post will be determined by the Principal and may include all or some of the duties listed below.

CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Under the leadership of the teacher work as part of a team to promote the efficient running of the class.
• Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/child/teacher relationships, as relevant, and keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the children and parents.
• Assist, under the leadership of the teacher, children learning as effectively as possible both indoors and outdoors through, for example;
  • clarifying and explaining instruction.
  • ensuring the children are able to use equipment and materials/resources provided.
  • participate in motivating and encouraging the children as required.
  • participate in supporting identified areas for development, e.g. physical skills, language, behaviour, etc.
• To contribute to the planning, implementation and review of all areas of the curriculum as directed by the teacher.
• Under the leadership of the teacher prepare learning materials and resources.
• Under the leadership of the teacher contribute to the planning, preparation and display of the children’s work.
• Contribute to the observation, recording and evaluation of children’s progress records as directed by the teacher.
• Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
• Participate in classroom activities, including groups of children, or individual children, under the direction of the teacher.
• Participate in special events/activities such as school visits.
• Positively promote positive behaviour in accordance with school policy.
• Ensure and promote as far as possible a safe environment for children.
• Assist with toileting, personal hygiene and dressing of children.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of routine prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and bruises.
• Report, to the designated Child Protection Officer in the school, any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a child requires expert or immediate attention in line with the boards/schools child protection policy.
• Contribute to the planning, purchase and preparation of daily snacks taking account of the school’s/Board’s ‘Healthy Eating Policy’.

ADMINISTRATION

• Assist with classroom administration, e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc.
• Provide regular feedback about the children to the teacher.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend relevant in-service training and disseminate appropriate information to colleagues.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and staff training days as required.
• Be aware of school policies and procedures and under the leadership of the teacher contribute to the implementation and review of school policies and procedures.
• Such other duties as may be assigned within the level of the post.
• Participate in a supporting role in the training of non-teaching students.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.