CLASSROOM ASSISTANT APPLICATION PACK
SECONDARY AND PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT FULL AND PART TIME
CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2025 AT 12 NOON
METHODIST COLLEGE INFORMATION
Methodist College Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools, providing life changing opportunities for everyone.
I am delighted that you are interested in joining the staff team here at Methodist College. As a member of staff, you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. Methody provides life changing opportunities for everyone and we would love you to experience that for yourself as a member of staff.
Staff at Methody are committed to making a difference to pupils, colleagues and the College community but soon discover that Methody also enriches their lives through their unparalleled staff experience. If you are an enthusiastic, committed, and progressive person ready to bring your unique gifts and talents to the College, we would love you to be part of our exceptional team.
This is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.
THIS IS METHODY.
J LENDRUM PRINCIPAL
JOB DESCRIPTION
The College has vacancies for Classroom Assistants in both the secondary and prep department, full time (32.5 hpw) and part time (various from one day p.w to 25 hours p.w)
Please express which posts and hours you are interested in on your application form.
JOB PURPOSE
To provide all necessary assistance to support pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities in mainstream classes and in school in general,
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Special Support
1. Assist with the support and care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs, for example, enabling access to the curriculum, attending to the personal needs of the pupil(s)
2. Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported;
3. Assist with authorised programmes, for example, Education Plan, Core Plan etc., participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil(s) participation in such programmes;
4. Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil within the school under the direction of the Learning Support Co-ordinator;
5. Assist with operational difficulties and non invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to the disabilities of the pupil(s);
6. Support the implementation of behavioural management programmes as directed;
7. Assist the pupil(s) in moving around school.
General Support
1. Assist the pupil(s) with educational needs to learn as effectively as possibly in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment through:
• Clarifying and explaining instruction;
• Ensuring the pupil(s) is/are able to use equipment and materials provided;
• Assisting in monitoring and encouraging the pupil(s) as required;
• Assisting in educational areas requiring reinforcement or development;
• Promoting the independence of the pupil(s) to enhance learning;
• Helping the pupil(s) stay on the work set;
• Meeting the physical/medical needs of the pupil(s) as required whilst encouraging independence;
2. Awareness and knowledge of the school’s policies and procedures
3. Awareness of confidential issues linked to home, pupil, teacher, schoolwork, etc and to keep and treat confidences appropriately;
4. Establish a supportive relationship with the pupil(s) concerned;
5. Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support the pupil(s);
6. 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 Learning Support Co-ordinator;
7. Accompany staff and assist the pupil(s) with off-site activities when required;
8. Provide continuity of adult care, for example, supervision of free time, hand washing, toileting, etc;
9. Provide supervision/support in liaison with the school nurse for the pupil(s) including the administration of prescribed medicines and dealing with minor cuts and grazes etc;
10. Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for the pupil(s);
11. Take appropriate action, in liaison with the school nurse, if there are any signs or symptoms from the pupil(s) which may suggest the need for expert or immediate attention.
Administration
1. Assist with classroom administration;
2. Assist as required with the implementation of the system for recording pupil(s) progress;
3. Contribute to the maintenance of the pupil(s) progress records;
4. Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the Learning Support Co-ordinator, class teachers and other involved in the care of the pupil(s);
5. Copy written materials, assist with the production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
Other Duties
1. Attend appropriate training courses;
2. Assist work placement students with practical tasks;
3. Carry out any other duties which may be assigned to the post holder by the Learning Support Co-ordinator within the level of the post.
General Conditions
1. All duties must be carried out to comply with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, Acts of Parliament, Statutory instruments, regulations and other legal requirements and any other policies and procedures as required by the College.
2. All duties will be carried out in the working conditions normally inherent in the particular job.
3. All necessary documentation as required must be completed.
4. The post holder may be required to carry out duties for jobs up to and including those in the same grade provided such duties are within the competence of the employee.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible, but should be regarded as proving guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
Classroom Assistant posts are reviewed annually and are subject to funding from the Education Authority. Employment may be terminated as a result of changes to funding.
Right to work : All applicants should ensure that they are free to remain in and take up employment in the United Kingdom. Successful candidates will be required to provide supporting documentation. Details of acceptable documentation are available here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
1. Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including English and Mathematics or a nationally recognised equivalent.
2. Previous professional experience of working with children (e.g in a school, nursery, playgroup etc.).
3. Ability to work with a wide range of people and be able to relate to children.
4. Evidence of sound interpersonal and communication skills.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
1. Experience of working within a school environment.
2. Experience of working with a child or children with special educational need.
3. Knowledge of ICT.
4. Awareness and understanding of Child Protection legislation.
PLEASE NOTE
Candidates should be aware that the criteria may be enhanced to produce a manageable shortlist for interview.
Appointment to this position is subject to the successful candidate undertaking a criminal records check through Access NI and to this check being clear of any offences which might affect appointment to this post. The College’s decision on what is acceptable arising from this check is final. The cost of this check is £32.00 and the successful candidate will be required to pay the school for this service.
