Classroom Assistant; Special Educational

Application Process

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
• The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
• Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
• In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• Qualifications and Experience
  • Option 1:
    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.
  • Option 2:
    Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Core Knowledge
  • Health and safety requirements
  • Development needs of children and/or young people
  • Child protection and safeguarding
• Skills
  • Effective planning and organising skills.
  • Ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child‑centred learning experience.
  • Effective and positive communication skills.
• Core Behaviours
  • Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
  • Empathy
  • Confidentiality

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• Qualifications and Experience
  • Training relevant to the role—for example:
    Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties;
    Language and communication; ASD; ADHD;
    Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
  • Additional working experience in a primary school.
  • Specific experience of working with a child/young person with special educational needs.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre‑employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

To view the applicant guidance notes, please . To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, .