HQ13/23/06
BELFAST EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
The Belfast Education and Library Board under the provisions of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Orders, is responsible for providing an education and library service, including a youth service, in the Belfast area. The provision of public library services transferred to Libraries NI on 1 April 2009. The area has a population of approximately 268,000. The number of pupils in attendance at school in the board’s area is approximately 57,000.
*Please note this post has flexible working arrangements which were omitted from advert. Please see below.
This is a temporary post available until 30 June 2014 and may be subject to extension or review subject to funding.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST: Classroom Assistant (special educational needs) - 4 posts
LOCATION: Early Years Inclusion Team
Initially based in the Fortwilliam Centre**
Fortwilliam Park
BELFAST
BT15 4AR
**Initially based at the Fortwilliam Centre but will be required to work in a range of nurseries and playgroups across Belfast.
RESPONSIBLE TO: BELB Early Years Inclusion Team (EYIT) Co-ordinator
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must at the closing date hold a relevant qualfiication and have experience of working with children with special educational needs in the areas of autism, speech and language, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Preference may be given to those applicants who at the closing date:
(i) hold formally qualified status; and/or
(ii) have experience of working in early years settings; and/or
(iii) have undertaken further study related to special educational needs.
The panel reserves the right to enhance these criteria.
DUTIES: As attached
HOURS: 26½ per week
HOURLY RATE: £8.38 - £8.97
Flexible working arrangements are available during school holidays. Further information will be issued to the successful candidate.
Applicants should preferably have access to a car. A motor mileage allowance will be paid at casual users rate in accordance with the board's scheme, in respect of authorised journeys undertaken in carrying out the duties of the post.
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 check which at present costs £30. Further details regarding the payment of this check will be issued with the contract of employment.
The closing date for receipt of applications is
12:00 NOON ON FRIDAY 21 JUNE 2013.
NB Notes of guidance are attached
THE BELFAST EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION
POST TITLE: Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs
(Pts 14-17)
RESPONSIBLE TO: The Early Years Inclusion Team (EYIT) Co-ordinator
JOB PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/board office, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs who is/are in the teacher’s care in or outside the classroom.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/board officer.
1. SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
1.1 Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs e.g. enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting etc.
1.2 Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported.
1.3 Assist with authorised programmes (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil(s) participation in such programmes.
1.4 To contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools under the directions of the class teacher.
1.5 Assist with operational difficulties and non invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
1.6 Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
1.7 Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.
2. GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
2.1 Assist pupil(s) learn 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 pupil(s) as required;
- assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development;
- promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning;
- helping pupil(s) stay on work set;
- meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence;
2.2 Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately.
2.3 Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
2.4 Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s) and take care of material for play sessions.
2.5 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 teacher/officer.
2.6 Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
2.7 Provide continuity of adult care of e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing, toileting etc.
2.8 Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
2.9 Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
2.10 Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.
3. administration
3.1 Assist with classroom administration.
3.2 Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupil(s) progress.
3.3 Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
3.4 Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher/officer.
3.5 Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
4. OTHER DUTIES
4.1 Attend relevant in-service training.
4.2 Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
4.3 Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/board officer within the level of the post.
It is acknowledged that the contents of this generic job description are not subject to appeal.
November 2006
CLASSROOM ASSISTANT QUALIFICATIONS SCHEDULE
COURSES OFFERING QUALIFIED STATUS TO CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS IN ALL SCHOOLS
Current Course Title / Awarding Body / Previous Course TitleBTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development / Edexcel
Level 3 Diploma, Children’s Care Learning and Development / CACHE, City & Guilds, BTEC, Edexcel, EDI / NVQ 3 Early Years Care and Education
NVQ 3 Childcare and Education
NVQ 3 Children’s Care Learning and Development
Diploma in Child Care and Education / CACHE, City & Guilds / NNEB Certificate in Nursery Nursing
NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing
Advanced Diploma in Child Care and Education / CACHE, City & Guilds, / NNEB Diploma in Post Qualifying Studies
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Early Years / BTEC, EDEXCEL / BTEC Nursery Nursing Certificate/Diploma
BTEC National Certificate Caring Services (Nursery Nursing)
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing)
HNC/HND Advanced Practice in Working with Children and Families / BTEC / BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Early Childhood Studies
HNC/HND Child Care and Education
HNC Early Education and Childcare / Scottish Qualifications Authority
Teaching qualification, in a nursery, special, primary or post-primary school, recognised by GTCNI / Teaching qualification, in nursery, special, primary or post-primary school, approved by the Teacher Training Institution, formerly DENI.
Foundation Degree, Early Childhood Studies / Stranmillis College, Queen’s University, Belfast *
BA Early Childhood Studies / Stranmillis College, Queen’s University, Belfast *
Level 3 Diploma/Certificate Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools / CACHE, City & Guilds, Edexcel, OCR / NVQ 3/SVQ 3 Teaching/Classroom Assistants
NVQ level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
NVQ level 3 Support Teaching and Learning in Schools
Revised C37 Certificate in Early Years Practice / Open University / Certificate in Early Years Practice
Level 3 Certificate for Classroom Assistants / CCEA / Level 3 - Certificate for Teaching Assistants
Contd
BA Honours Degree in Special Needs and Education Studies / Liverpool Hope University
National Vocational Certificate Level 5 Community Care (DCHCC) – (Special Needs Assistant) / FETAC
Certificate (iii) in Education Support / Bremer Institute of TAFE, Queensland, Australia
Level 5, Major Award, (DCHSC) in Childcare. (Childcare & Early Education for Childcare Workers and Carers of Children with Special Needs). / FETAC
HNC, Additional Support Needs, Supporting the Individual. / Scottish Qualifications Authority
Childcare and Youth Worker Course
(Fachschulababschluss) / Oberstufenzentrum, Berlin
Level 4 HPD (Higher Professional Diploma) in Early Years / City & Guilds
NB * Delivered in Further Education Colleges in NI over 2 years full-time and 3 years part-time
ADDITIONAL COURSES OFFERING QUALIFIED STATUS TO CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS WORKING IN
SPECIAL SCHOOLS/CLASSES OR WITH STATEMENTED CHILDREN
Current Course Title / Awarding Body / Previous Course TitleDiploma in Social Work / CCETSW / Certificate in Social Services or CQSW
BTEC Extended National Diploma in Health & Social Care / BTEC, Edexcel / AVCE Health and Social Care
GNVQ Advanced Health & Social Care
BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies
BTEC National Diploma in Care
BTEC National Diploma in Caring Services
BTEC National Diploma in Health & Social Care
Level 4 BTEC HNC in Health and Social Care
Level 5 BTEC HND in Health and Social Care / BTEC, Edexcel / BTEC HNC/HND in Caring Practice
BTEC HND in Caring Services
BTEC HND/C in Care Practice
SEN/SRN/RSCN (Registered Nurse/Registered Sick Children’s Nurse) / UKCC, National Board for Nursing, Midwifery & Health Visiting
COURSES OFFERING QUALIFIED STATUS TO CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS IN NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS ONLY
Current Course Title / Awarding Body / Previous Course TitleNVQ Level 3 Playwork (City & Guilds) & Transitional Award in Early Years / City & Guilds
Certificate in Supporting Learning in Primary Schools (C60) / Open University
Level 5 Certificate in Childcare / FETAC / National Vocational Certificate, Level 2 Childcare, prior 2005.
COURSES OFFERING RECOGNISED STATUS TO CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS IN ALL SCHOOLS
Current Course Title / Awarding Body / Previous Course TitleLevel 2 Diploma Children’s Care, Learning and Development / CACHE, City & Guilds, BTEC, Edexcel, EDI / NVQ 2 Early Years Care and Education
NVQ 2 Childcare and Education
NVQ 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development
Level 2 Diploma in Child Care and Education / CACHE/ incorporating CEYA & NNEB / NNEB Preliminary Diploma in Nursery Nursing
Level 2 Certificate in Child Care and Education
Level 2 Diploma/Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools / CACHE, City & Guilds,
Edexcel, CCEA, OCR / NVQ 2/SVQ2 Teaching/Classroom Assistants
Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistants
NVQ 2– Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 2 - Teaching and Learning in Schools / CACHE, City & Guilds, Edexcel, OCR / NVQ 2/SVQ2 Teaching/Classroom Assistants
Personal Development Award/Classroom Assistant Award / South Lanarkshire Council
COURSES OFFERING RECOGNISED STATUS TO CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS WORKING IN
NURSERY SCHOOLS/CLASSES ONLY
Current Course Title / Awarding Body / Previous Course TitleDiploma in Pre-School Practice / Pre-School Learning Alliance / Certificate or Diploma in Pre-School Child Development and Practice
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Capacity Building - Early Years Settings project.
Early Years Inclusion Team
Following additional funding being made available from the Department of Education, the BELB is undertaking a pilot project to improve practice and provision for supporting children with special educational needs in Early Years Settings.
The Early Years Inclusion Team focuses on three key thematic areas within special education in Early Years Settings:
- Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD)
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
There are three main aims for this project:
- To enhance access to formal education for children who are in their immediate pre-school year by improving early identification and assessment of special educational needs, followed by appropriate adjustments and interventions.
- To improve the skills of pre-school practitioners to meet the needs of children with special educational needs.
- To ensure consistency of service across pre-school services in both nurseries and playgroups.
The BELB pilot project has two major aspects.
1 The setting up of an Early Years Inclusion Team which will support staff in early years settings by providing advice and where appropriate effective intervention programmes in the areas Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech Language and Communication Needs and Social Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties.
2 The Team will plan and deliver universal and tailored training to a targeted group of early years settings with the aim of promoting an inclusive environment.
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
Post / Classroom Assistant (special educational needs)Location / Initially based at Fortwilliam Centre
Essential / Preferred
Qualifications / hold a relevant qualfiication; and / hold formally qualified status
Experience / have experience of working with children with special educational needs in the areas of autism, speech and language, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. / have experience of working in early years settings
have undertaken further study related to special educational needs
Knowledge/Skills / knowledge of special educational needs
knowledge of child development
good observation skills
good communication skills
ability to record and report
ability to manage a group of children / skilled in working in early years settings
Personal Qualities / use initiative
adaptable and flexible
approachable
innovative
ability to engage children
self motivated
dependable
ability to take direction / open to new learning
Other Requirements / have access to a car