SEN Classroom Assistant: Student-Centered Support, Crumlin

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 or Education Authority, assist with the educational support and care of pupils with special educational needs who are in the teacher’s care inside or outside the classroom.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• At least 6 weeks experience gained through working in a formal learning environment or completing a Level 2 placement.
• Working knowledge of health and safety requirements, child protection and safeguarding, and development needs of children and/or young people.
• Effective planning and organising skills, ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
• Ability to work as part of a team, flexibly and creatively to support a child-centred learning experience.
• Effective and positive communication skills.
• Confidentiality, empathy, and ability to build positive, supportive relationships.

Special Classroom Support

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

General Classroom Support

• Assist pupils to learn effectively in both group situations and individually by managing the learning environment.
• Clarify and explain instruction, ensure pupils can use equipment and materials, motivate and encourage pupils.
• Assist where pupils need reinforcement or development and promote independence.
• Help pupils stay on work sets and attend to physical or medical needs when required.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow school policies and procedures.
• Establish supportive relationships and provide appropriate resources for learning and play sessions.
• Supervise groups or individual pupils during specified activities, including ICT, extra‑curricular activities, and other duties as directed.
• Assist with off‑site activities following a risk assessment.
• Support adult care during play and cloakroom supervision and handle prescribed medicines for ill children.
• Ensure a safe environment for pupils and report signs or symptoms indicating a need for expert or immediate attention.

Administration

• Assist with classroom administration and the implementation of record‑keeping systems.
• Contribute to maintenance of pupil progress records and provide regular feedback to the teacher or officer.
• Duplicate written materials and assist with production of charts, displays, and resource catalogues.

Other Duties

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

This job description is 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.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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