Classroom Assistant; Special Educational

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 as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
• 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.

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area obtained through 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 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.

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

• Health and safety requirements.
• Development needs of children and/or young people.
• Child protection and safeguarding.

• 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.

• Undertaking more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
• Assisting pupils with specialist communication needs or sensory difficulties to access the curriculum.
• Working with pupils with challenging behaviour.
• Working knowledge of specific areas of SEN and implications for learning.
• Working knowledge of effective strategies to support the learning of pupils with SEN/particular needs.

• Communication and interaction
• Cognition and learning
• Social, mental and emotional health
• Sensory and/or physical

• Effective and positive communication skills.
• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
• Empathy.
• Confidentiality.

• Additional training e.g. Braille, Makaton, First Aid, speech and language support, Team Teach training.
• Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area.
• Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications.

• Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
• Experience of working with children with a specific special educational need/MLD/SLD, please specify experience.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting specialist provision unit attached to mainstream or special school setting.

• Ability to proactively support pupils with specific needs (determine need based on individual statement).
• Ability to deal with challenging behaviour.

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. 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.

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