Classroom Assistant (SEN) - Specialist Provision Class (initially KS2)

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. 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 should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. 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.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right toshortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet thecriteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria asoutlined 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.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Factor

Essential Criteria

Method of Assessment

Qualifications and Experience

OPTION 1

Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent)* qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.

*Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. Award level is not acceptable.

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

OPTION 2

Have a minimum of 12 months experience working with a child/children with Special Educational Needs in a primary school setting.

Sifting by Application Form

Sifting by Application Form and verified at Interview

Core Knowledge

Demonstrate a working knowledge of:

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

Interview/Assessment

Skills

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 team
• Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child-centred learning experience.
• Effective and positive communication skills.

Interview/Assessment

Core Behaviours

Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.

Empathy

Confidentiality

Interview

SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Factor

Desirable Criteria

Method of Assessment

Qualifications and Experience

Have a minumum of 12 months demonstrable experience working with a children/ young person with special educational needs/ particular need as per statement.

Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a primary setting and/or specialist provision unit attached to mainstream.

Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.

Have completed training relevant to the role/statement for example:

• Social emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Language and communication
• ASD

Sifting by Application Form

• 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.
• Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported.
• 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.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools under the directions of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
• Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
• Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.

• 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:

• 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 relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s) 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 teacher/officer.
• Under the direction of the teacher and following an appropriate risk assessment assist with off-site activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care of e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing toileting etc.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
• Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.

• Assist with classroom administration.
• Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupil(s) progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) 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.

• Attend relevant in-service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.