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/Education Authority, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs who is/are in the teacher’s care in or outside the classroom.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/ Education Authority officer.
Special Classroom Support
* Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs e.g. enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting etc.
* Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported.
* Assist with authorised programmes (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil(s) participation in such programmes.
* Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools under the directions of the class teacher.
* Assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
* Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
* Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.
General Classroom Support
* Assist pupil(s) learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment through: clarifying and explaining instruction; ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided; assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupil(s) as required; assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development; promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning; helping pupil(s) stay on work set; meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.
* Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately.
* Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
* Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s) and take care of material for play sessions.
* Supervise groups of pupils, or individual pupils on specified activities including talking and listening, using ICT, extra curricular activities, and other duties, as directed by the class teacher/officer.
* Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
* Provide continuity of adult care of e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing, toileting etc.
* Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
* Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
* Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.
Administration
* Assist with classroom administration.
* Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupil(s) progress.
* Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
* Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher/officer.
* Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
Other Duties
* Attend relevant in-service training.
* Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
* Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent)* qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body. *Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. Award level is not acceptable. AND Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience which has been gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.
* OR Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
* Demonstrate a working knowledge of: Health and safety requirements, Development needs of children and/or young people, Child protection and safeguarding
* Evidence of the following skills to support child-centred learning and assist with the management of the learning environment: Effective planning and organising skills, Ability to follow agreed systems and plans, Ability to work as part of team, Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child-centred learning experience, Effective and positive communication skills.
* Ability to build positive and supportive relationships, Empathy, Confidentiality
Desirable Criteria
* Have completed training relevant to the role/statement, for example: Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, Language and communication, ASD, ADHD
* Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
* Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications
* Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
* Specific experience of working with a children/ young person with special educational needs/ particular need as per statement
* Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting i.e. nursery/primary/post primary/ specialist provision unit attached to mainstream/ special school setting (delete as appropriate).
* Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
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