Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs)

PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 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. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 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. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined 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 The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Professional Membership Hold a minimum of a Level 2 childcare qualification as approved by EA ( A list of approved qualifications is available to download from the EA website www.eani.org.uk) Shortlisting by Application Form ExperienceHave a minimum of six months' experience of working with a child/children in a formal learning environment e.g. school, nursery or playgroup Shortlisting by Application Form Skills / Abilities Evidence of a working knowledge of information technology systems including: Microsoft Word and Outlook, and/or C2K schools IT systems Shortlisting by Application Form SECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Knowledge Demonstrable knowledge of the following: The requirements of a Classroom Assistant (special educational needs) Child development issues Health and safety requirements, relevant to the role Interview Skills / Abilities Evidence of an ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child-centred learning experience Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills Proven team working and collaborative skills Evidence of effective planning and organising skills to ensure work is completed on time to the required standard Interview Values OrientationEvidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the school's values/ethos. You will find information about the school's values/ethos on our school website Interview SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications / Experience Have a minimum of one years' experience of working with a child/children with special educational needs Have a minimum of six months' experience working as a Classroom Assistant with a child/children with special educational needs Shortlisting by Application Form DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDThe Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as 'regulated activity'. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves 'regulated activity', the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice. APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTESTo view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here .The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer