Classroom Assistant

PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria; failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should 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.
• Shortlisting may also apply desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 if an excessive number of applications is received. These will be applied in the order listed.
• In the event of excessive applications, the Selection Panel reserves the right to apply desirable criteria. It is important that you demonstrate how you meet any desirable criteria on your application form.

Qualifications and experience

• Hold a minimum 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 gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.

Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.

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 ensure a child‑centred learning experience.
• Effective and positive communication skills.

Behaviours

• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
• Empathy.
• Confidentiality.

• Experience of working, in a paid capacity, as a Classroom Assistant with children in a nursery and/or primary setting.
• Hold a minimum of Level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher‑level qualifications.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. If you are recommended for a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. You will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

JOB TITLE: Classroom Assistant
REPORTS TO: The Principal, through the class teacher
JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the class teacher, outreach teacher, or board officer, assist with the educational support and care of pupils in a designated class or classes, in or outside the classroom.

The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal.

• Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
• Assist pupils to learn as effectively as possible in both group and individual settings by supporting the learning environment:
• Clarifying and explaining instruction.
• Ensuring pupils can use equipment and materials provided.
• Motivating and encouraging pupils as required.
• Contributing to areas requiring reinforcement or development, e.g. language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting, presentation.
• Promoting independent learning.
• Helping pupils concentrate on and finish assigned work.
• Participate in classroom activities, including involvement with the curriculum where appropriate.
• Assume responsibility for supervising groups of children or individual children, covering activities such as talking and listening, library use, ICT, extracurricular activities and other duties.
• Provide…