Classroom Assistant; Special Educational )(Specialist Provision

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the required criteria. You should demonstrate this for both essential and desirable criteria where relevant.

• Hold a minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) certification, certificate or diploma, from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Minimum 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment or placement as part of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.
• Or minimum 12 months experience working in a formal learning environment.
• Core knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children and/or young people, child protection and safeguarding.
• Skills:
  
  effective planning and organising, following agreed systems and plans, working as part of a team, flexibility and creativity to support child‑centred learning, effective and positive communication.
• Core behaviours: build positive supportive relationships, empathy, confidentiality, understanding of school values and ethos.

• Minimum 1 year experience working with children with special educational needs.
• Minimum 6 months experience as a classroom assistant with children with special educational needs.
• Minimum Level 3 (or equivalent) certification, certificate or diploma, from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Minimum 6 months experience as a classroom assistant in a specialist provision unit or special needs school.

Applicants for posts involving regulated activity must undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. The cost will be covered by the applicant prior to appointment.

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 care of pupils with special educational needs in or outside the classroom.

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupils with special educational needs, enabling access to the curriculum, attending to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting etc.
• Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupils.
• Assist with authorised programmes (Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in evaluation and encourage pupil participation.
• Contribute to inclusion of pupil in mainstream schools under the direction of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational difficulties and non‑invasive medical/clinical difficulties related to pupil disabilities.
• Support implementation of behavioural management programmes as directed.
• Assist pupils in moving around school and on and off transport.

• Clarify and explain instruction.
• Ensure pupils can use equipment and materials provided.
• Motivate and encourage pupils as required.
• Assist in areas requiring reinforcement or development.
• Promote independence to enhance learning.
• Help pupils stay on work set.
• Meet physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and confidentiality issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work.
• Establish a supportive relationship with pupils.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupils 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.
• Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off‑site activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care, e.g. supervising play and cloakroom areas, hand washing, toileting etc.
• Provide supervision/support including administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
• Ensure a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms suggesting a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.

• Assist with classroom administration.
• Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with implementation of the system for recording pupils’ progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupils’ progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about pupils 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.

• Attend relevant in‑service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.