Classroom Assistant

Education Authority Northern Ireland•Ballyclare, MI

About The Position

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/board officer, assist with the educational support and care of the pupils in a designated class or classes, in or outside the classroom. The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal. 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. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

Requirements

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.
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.
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

Nice To Haves

Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications
Additional working experience in a primary school
Specific experience of working with a child/children
Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a primary school setting
Minimum of one year's experience working as an assistant in a composite primary school class
Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
Assist, as required, pupils 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 pupils as required; - contributing to areas requiring reinforcement or development, e.g. language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting/presentation etc; - promoting independent learning; - helping pupils concentrate on and finish work set.
Participate in classroom activities, including involvement with the curriculum, where appropriate, under the direction of the class teacher/officer.
Assume responsibility for supervising groups of children, or individual children on specified activities including talking and listening, use of library activities, using ICT, extra curricular activities and other duties.
Provide continuity of adult care of e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing and toileting.
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 work for pupils as directed by, and in support of, the teacher.
Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
Prepare material for play sessions e.g. making dough, paste, cutting paper, costume preparation, involvement in school dramatic activities 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 child requires expert or immediate attention.
Assist with classroom administration, e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc.
Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records.
Provide regular feedback about the pupils to the teacher.
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.