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.

Classroom Support

• Work as part of a team under the leadership of the teacher to promote the efficient running of the class.
• Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/child/teacher relationships and keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the children and parents.
• Assist children to learn 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.
  • Participating in motivating and encouraging the children as required.
  • Supporting identified areas for development (e.g. physical skills, language, behaviour).
• Contribute to the planning, implementation and review of all areas of the curriculum as directed by 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.
• Help observe, record and evaluate children’s progress records as directed by the teacher.
• Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
• Participate in classroom activities, groups of children or individual children, under the direction of the teacher.
• Participate in special events/activities such as school visits.
• Promote positive behaviour in accordance with school policy.
• Ensure a safe environment for children to the greatest extent possible.
• Assist with toileting, personal hygiene and dressing of children.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of routine prescribed medicines and drugs for ill children and deal with minor cuts and bruises.
• Report to the designated Child Protection Officer any signs or symptoms indicating a child may require expert or immediate attention as per child protection policy.
• Contribute to the planning, purchase and preparation of daily snacks in line with the 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 teacher’s leadership, contribute to the implementation and review of these policies.
• Carry out other duties as may be assigned within the level of the post.
• Support the training of non‑teaching students.

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body. The qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level; award level is not acceptable.
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience gained in a formal learning environment or placement as part of the 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 Child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of effective planning and organising skills, ability to follow agreed systems and plans, work as part of a team, work flexibly and creatively, and effective and positive communication skills.
• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships, show empathy, and maintain confidentiality.

• Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
• Specific experience working with a child or children.
• Experience as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a nursery/primary setting.
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and prepare resources.

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.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.