JOB PURPOSE
Under the direction of the class teacher, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupils with special educational needs who 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. ADDITIONAL SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT (at least one of the three duties below should be carried out as a requirement of the post)
1. Undertake more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
2. Help pupils with specialist communication skills and/or sensory difficulties to access the curriculum.
3. Deal with pupils with very challenging behaviour as identified by the Educational Psychology Service as requiring additional provision.
SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
4. Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupils with special educational needs e.g. enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting etc.
5. Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupils to be supported.
6. Assist with authorised programmes (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupils' participation in such programmes.
7. Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in the classroom under the direction of the class teacher.
8. Assist with operational difficulties and medical difficulties pertaining to pupils' disabilities.
9. Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
10. Assist pupils in moving around school and on and off transport.
GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
11. Assist pupils to 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 pupils as required;- assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development;- promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning;- helping pupils stay on work set;- meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.
12. Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately.
13. Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
14. Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupils and take care of material for play sessions.
15. 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.
16. Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
17. Provide continuity of adult care of e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing, toileting etc.
18. Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
19. Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
20. Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.
ADMINISTRATION
21. Assist with classroom administration.
22. Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupils' progress.
23. Contribute to the maintenance of pupils' progress records.
24. Provide regular feedback about the pupils to the teacher.
25. Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
OTHER DUTIES
26. Attend relevant in-service training.
27. Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
28. Such other duties as may be assigned by the Principal within the level of the post.