Nursery Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

Nursery Assistant

REPORTS TO:

The Principal through the class teacher

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the class teacher, assist with the educational support and care of the children in a designated class, in or outside the classroom.

The precise duties of the post will be determined by the Principal and may include all or some of the duties listed below.

• Under the leadership of the teacher work as part of a team to promote the efficient running of the class.
• Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/child/teacher relationships, as relevant, and keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the children and parents.
• Assist, under the leadership of the teacher, children learning as effectively as possible both indoors and outdoors through, for example;
  • clarifying and explaining instruction.
  • ensuring the children are able to use equipment and materials/resources provided.
  • participate in motivating and encouraging the children as required.
  • participate in supporting identified areas for development, e.g. physical skills, language, behaviour, etc.
• To contribute to the planning, implementation and review of all areas of the curriculum as directed by the teacher.
• Under the leadership of the teacher prepare learning materials and resources.
• Under the leadership of the teacher contribute to the planning, preparation and display of the children’s work.
• Contribute to the observation, recording and evaluation of children’s progress records as directed by the teacher.
• Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment.
• Participate in classroom activities, including groups of children, or individual children, under the direction of the teacher.
• Participate in special events/activities such as school visits.
• Positively promote positive behaviour in accordance with school policy.
• Ensure and promote as far as possible a safe environment for children.
• Assist with toileting, personal hygiene and dressing of children.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of routine prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and bruises.
• Report, to the designated Child Protection Officer in the school, any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a child requires expert or immediate attention in line with the boards/schools child protection policy.
• Contribute to the planning, purchase and preparation of daily snacks taking account of the school’s/Board’s ‘Healthy Eating Policy’.

• Assist with classroom administration, e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc.
• Provide regular feedback about the children to the teacher.

• Attend relevant in-service training and disseminate appropriate information to colleagues.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and staff training days as required.
• Be aware of school policies and procedures and under the leadership of the teacher contribute to the implementation and review of school policies and procedures.
• Such other duties as may be assigned within the level of the post.
• Participate in a supporting role in the training of non-teaching students.

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.

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
  AND 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.
• OR Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of:
  Health and safety requirements;
  Development needs of children and/or young people;
  Child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of the following skills to support child-centred learning and assist with the management of the learning environment:
  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;
  Effective and positive communication skills.
• Behaviour:
  Ability to build positive and supportive relationships;
  Empathy;
  Confidentiality.

• Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Specific experience of working with a child/children with special educational needs.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting i.e. nursery/primary.
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.