Classroom & General Assistants

POST TITLE: CLASSROOM & GENERAL ASSISTANTS HOURS:Term Time / Part-time / Hours to be determined LOCATION:Either Junior Campus, Waring Street or Senior Campus, Francis Street, Lurgan Responsible to:The Principal through the Director of Inclusion & Diversity Salary bands: Classroom Assistants This will be based on the National Joint Council Scale 5-6, with the hourly rate being £12.51-£12.72 General Assistants Based on the National Joint Council Scale 1-4, with the hourly rate being £11.91 - £12.31 Overall Responsibilities: To help facilitate the education of pupils with special educational needs as per the SEN register. Selection Criteria Essential The person appointed shall have a good level of general education, including at least 5 GCSE subjects at Grade C or above or equivalent (one of which should be English) Excellent demonstrable attendance Desirable 1. NVQ II in Childcare or other relevant childcare qualification. 2. Experience in working with children with special educational needs. 3. Experience in working with children of school age. This post may also be of interest to candidates currently working towards their PGCE, or recently qualified, due to the opportunity for gaining essential experience in the classroom. Overall Responsibilities: To help facilitate the education of pupils with special educational needs as per the SEN register Main Duties /Responsibilities: Special Classroom Support Assist the teachers with the support and care of pupils with special educational needs e.g. enable access to the curriculum. Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupils to be supported. Assist with authorised programmes (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan, Behaviour Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil participation in such programmes. To contribute to the inclusion of the pupils in mainstream schools under the directions of the class teachers. Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed. Assist the pupils in moving around school and on and off transport. General Classroom Support Assist the pupils learning as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment through: Clarifying and explaining instruction; Ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided; Assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupils as required; Assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development; Promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning; Helping pupils stay on work set; Meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence. Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately. Establish a supportive and positive relationship with the pupils concerned. Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support the 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 by the class teachers/officers. Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities. Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils. Report to the class teachers any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention. Administration Assist with classroom administration Assist the class teachers and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupil progress Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records. Provide regular feedback about the 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. Other Duties Attend relevant in-service training. Such other duties as may be assigned by the SEN Co-ordinator within the level of the post. The person appointed will not be required for duty if the pupils are absent from school and will not be paid for such days, provided a minimum of 1 days notice has been given of this absence. The post will continue for as long as the pupil requires classroom assistance, and for as long as the funding body provides funding for these positions. Salary bands: Classroom Assistants This will be based on the National Joint Council Scale 5-6, with the hourly rate being £12.51-£12.72 General Assistants Based on the National Joint Council Scale 1-4, with the hourly rate being £11.91 - £12.31 Probation Allappointments are subject to a probationary period of six months during which performance is monitored. This may be extended by three months at the discretion of the employer. CHILD PROTECTION Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure. Further details regarding the payment of this check will be issued if an offer of employment is made. St. Ronans College treats with the utmost seriousness its responsibility to protect pupils by preventing unsuitable people from working with them in paid or voluntary positions. Posts involving work with children and young people in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The process whereby applicants are vetted for employment is set out by AccessNI as an Enhanced Disclosure; see Hence, applicants should be aware that any offer of employment will only be confirmed when the school has: received two satisfactory references, one of which must be from the most recent employer; verified proof of identity as specified by AccessNI; Received an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from AccessNI confirming the eligibility of the applicant to work in the school; Viewed originals of qualifications recorded on the application form. Process Applicants called for interview will be required to bring with them: Relevant ID Original qualifications and copies of same. When an offer of employment is made the preferred applicant must: Apply for an Enhanced Disclosure certificate by /accessni. Contact the school as soon as the AccessNI certificate is received The appointment will only be confirmed after all pre-employment checks have been completed satisfactorily.