Nursery Assistant (Part-time/Permanent) St Malachy s Primary School. Candidate Information Pack

Transcription

1 SC17/45/01 Nursery Assistant (Part-time/Permanent) St Malachy s Primary School Candidate Information Pack

2 Background and Context The Education Authority (EA) wants every child to have an outstanding education. The EA was established under the Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 and became operational on 1 April It is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Education and the Department for the Economy. The EA is responsible for ensuring that high quality primary and secondary education services are available to meet the needs of children and young people, and for support for the provision of efficient and effective youth services. These services were previously delivered by five Education and Library Boards (ELBs). The organisation employs over 39,000 people across Northern Ireland in a wide variety of roles including teachers in controlled schools, school-based support staff and staff in administrative headquarters. The work we do impacts the lives of tens of thousands of children, young people and their families every day. The services we provide are essential in supporting, encouraging and facilitating learning within our communities to develop generations of young people who are equipped to succeed in life and work in the modern world. As a public sector organisation, we must continue to deliver these vital services in a challenging environment of increasing financial pressure and under intense public scrutiny. Future Challenges and Opportunities Recent focus has been on transition from the former ELBs to a single authority. Looking forward, this focus moves from transition to transformation. Emerging from the five ELBs our aim is to build a new organisation which is focused on meeting the needs of all our young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential. Work is underway to develop a strategic plan for the period This will provide a framework for the authority s activities and will guide the organisation through its transformation journey. The EA in all its activities will endeavour to support the Programme for Government to improve educational outcomes; reduce educational inequality; improve the quality of education and the skills profile of the population. The EA also recognises the fundamental role it has in other NI Executive priorities such as the economy and the wider success of Northern Ireland. These are exciting and challenging times for EA as we continue the process of transformation and seek fundamentally to transform education administration for the benefit of future generations of children and young people.

3 EDUCATION AUTHORITY (EA) BELFAST SC17/45/01 JOB DESCRIPTION POST: LOCATION: RESPONSIBLE TO: REQUIREMENTS: Nursery Assistant St Malachy s Primary School Eliza Street BELFAST BT7 2BJ The Principal Essential Applicants must at the closing date: (i) hold a relevant qualification; (ii) have been trained to support children with special educational needs; (iii) have a minimum of one year s relevant experience working in a primary school and/or nursery school and/or nursery unit attached to a primary school; and (iv) have experience of working with children for whom English is an additional language. Desirable It is desirable that applicants at the closing date: (i) have undertaken further relevant training; and/or (ii) hold a recognised first aid certificate; and/or (iii) have relevant experience working with children with special educational needs; and/or (iv) have experience of using digital technology in a classroom setting. The panel reserves the right to enhance these criteria. HOURS: SALARY: 32½ hours per week 15,014-16,491 (pro-rata) Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure check which at present costs 33. Further details regarding the payment of this check will be issued with the contract of employment. NB Notes of guidance are attached. The closing date for receipt of applications is 2PM ON THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER CANVASSING WILL DISQUALIFY

4 EDUCATION AUTHORITY GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION POST TITLE: Nursery Assistant GRADE: Spinal Points 6-13 LOCATION: RESPONSIBLE TO: St Malachy s Primary School The Principal through the class teacher JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the class teacher, assist with the educational support and care of the children in a designated class, in or outside the classroom. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The precise duties of the post will be determined by the Principal and may include all or some of the duties listed below. 1. CLASSROOM SUPPORT 1.1 Under the leadership of the teacher work as part of a team to promote the efficient running of the class. 1.2 Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/child/teacher relationships, as relevant, and keep confidences appropriately. 1.3 Establish a supportive relationship with the children and parents. 1.4 Assist, under the leadership of the teacher, children learning as effectively as possible both indoors and outdoors through, for example; clarifying and explaining instruction. ensuring the children are able to use equipment and materials/resources provided. participate in motivating and encouraging the children as required. participate in supporting identified areas for development, e.g. physical skills, language, behaviour, etc. 1.5 To contribute to the planning, implementation and review of all areas of the curriculum as directed by the teacher. 1.6 Under the leadership of the teacher prepare learning materials and resources. 1.7 Under the leadership of the teacher contribute to the planning, preparation and display of the children s work.

5 1.8 Contribute to the observation, recording and evaluation of children s progress records as directed by the teacher. 1.9 Set up, clear away and regularly clean equipment Participate in classroom activities, including groups of children, or individual children, under the direction of the teacher Participate in special events/activities such as school visits Positively promote positive behaviour in accordance with school policy Ensure and promote as far as possible a safe environment for children Assist with toileting, personal hygiene and dressing of children Provide supervision/support including the administration of routine prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and bruises Report, to the designated Child Protection Officer in the school, any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a child requires expert or immediate attention in line with the Education Authority s/school s child protection policy Contribute to the planning, purchase and preparation of daily snacks taking account of the school s/education Authority s Healthy Eating Policy. 2. ADMINISTRATION 2.1 Assist with classroom administration, e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc. 2.2 Provide regular feedback about the children to the teacher. 3. OTHER DUTIES 3.1 Attend relevant in-service training and disseminate appropriate information to colleagues. 3.2 Participate in regular staff meetings and staff training days as required. 3.3 Be aware of school policies and procedures and under the leadership of the teacher contribute to the implementation and review of school policies and procedures. 3.4 Such other duties as may be assigned within the level of the post. 3.5 Participate in a supporting role in the training of non-teaching students. It is acknowledged that the contents of this generic job description are not subject to appeal. Evaluated: 29 January 2015

6 EDUCATION AUTHORITY BELFAST SC17/45/01 PERSON SPECIFICATION POST: Nursery Assistant St Malachy s Primary School Qualifications Experience Knowledge Skills Essential hold a relevant qualification have had training to support children with special educational needs have a minimum of one year s relevant experience working in a primary school and/or nursery school and/or nursery unit attached to a primary school have experience of working with children for whom English is an additional language knowledge of the requirements of a nursery assistant knowledge of child development issues knowledge of IT systems knowledge of Health and Safety legislation a working knowledge of the nursery curriculum creative skills planning and organisational skills interpersonal skills communication skills ability to use ICT in the classroom Desirable have undertaken further relevant training hold a recognised first aid certificate have relevant experience of working with children with special educational needs have experience of using digital technology in a classroom setting Personal Qualities co-operative approachable ability to work as a member of a team

7 ability to use initiative flexible willing to carryout instructions sensitive empathetic understanding of confidentiality enthusiastic Other requirements

8 CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT Belfast Office Nursery Assistants Statement of Main Particulars of Terms and Conditions of Service issued in compliance with the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (as amended) and the Employment (NI) Order 2003 Part 2 1. Introduction In compliance with the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and the Employment (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, this statement sets out the main terms and conditions of your contract of employment with the Education Authority as the Employing Authority and the Board of Governors of the school as the Employer, that are relevant at the date of issue. 2. Place of Work You will serve in the post and at the location specified in Part 1 of this document, or in any post appropriate to your grade at such other place of employment in the service of the Education Authority as may be reasonably required. You will not be required to work outside of the United Kingdom for more than one month. 3. Recognition of Period of Continuous Employment Your period of continuous service is stated in Part 1 of this document. Details relating to recognised employers are contained in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc.) (Modification) Order (NI) Conditions of Service/Collective Agreements Your terms and conditions of employment, including certain provisions relating to your working conditions are covered by collective agreements negotiated and agreed with Trade Unions and Staff Associations (see paragraph 12 below), which are recognised by the Education Authority for collective bargaining purposes in respect of the employment group to which you belong. These conditions are embodied in the Scheme of Conditions of Service relating to your employment group, and in other documents, all of which are available to you through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. From time to time variations in your terms and conditions of employment will result from negotiations and agreement with the Trade Unions and Staff Associations and these changes will be incorporated in the documents to which you have access. The Education Authority undertakes to ensure that all future changes in the terms and conditions of service will be entered into these documents within 28 days of the change being agreed. All agreed changes will be detailed on the Education Authority website. Each Education Authority policy/procedure, that is current at any

9 given time, is available on the Education Authority intranet or through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 5. Probationary Service Your first 26 weeks of service will be probationary, at the end of which, subject to a satisfactory report by your Principal/Line Manager, your appointment will be confirmed. If you do not maintain the required standard of performance, conduct or regular punctual attendance during this probationary period (or any period of extension agreed by your Principal/Line manager), the Education Authority reserves the right to terminate your employment during, or at the end of, the probationary period. 6. Remuneration Details relating to your current salary and hours of work are specified in Part 1 of this document, and are in accordance with the agreement relating to your grade. Your hours of work exclude meal breaks. Nursery Assistants must be available for work 195 days in any school year of which 190 days will be days on which pupil contact will be required, staff working less than 5 days per week will have the requirement pro-rated accordingly. There will be no abatement of pay in respect of days not required to be worked during school holidays. Operational arrangements for breaks will be in accordance with the practice at your location of work, and will take account of the working time regulations. Your working hours/pattern are as agreed for your place of work or grade of employment and are subject to amendment, at the Education Authority s discretion and in consultation with Trade Unions, to meet the exigencies of the service. Overtime, if applicable, for work in excess of 36 hours per week is payable in accordance with the Scheme of Conditions of Service referred to in paragraph 4 above. You will be paid either four-weekly or monthly, as specified in Part 1 of this document, by Bankers Automatic Clearing Service (B.A.C.S.) to your Bank or Building Society Account. The Education Authority reserves the right to recover any overpayment of your salary from deduction of such overpayments from salary/monies due to you. This contract of employment may be amended at any time by virtue of collective agreements, referred to in paragraph 4 above. 7. Annual Leave, Public Holidays and Extra-Statutory Holidays In accordance with the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland), all employees have a statutory entitlement to a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid holiday. Those employees working less than a 5 day/36 hour week and/or fewer than 52 weeks per annum are entitled to the same level of paid holiday on a pro rata basis. Your contractual annual leave entitlement, as specified on Part 1, plus your entitlement to public and extra-statutory holidays, exceeds the minimum legal entitlement of 5.6 weeks.

10 The leave year extends from 1 April in one year to 31 March the following year. Annual leave and public/extra statutory holiday entitlement will be subsumed within payment of periods of school closure. Annual leave will not be approved during term-time. 8. Occupational Sick Pay The Education Authority supports the principle of providing for sickness absence and payment of such absence. However, within the provisions for sickness leave and payment, the Education Authority will reserve the right to monitor absence and take all action considered reasonable to assist employees and control absence levels. This may include requesting medical examinations, interviewing absentees and, where appropriate, terminating employment in accordance with the relevant Education Authority procedures which are available from the Education Authority Human Resources Section. If you are absent from work as a result of an injury attributable to the negligence of a third party, you must notify the Education Authority about the accident. Where a claim for damages is to be made, you must include in any such claim a specific amount for loss of earnings, and on payment of the claim, you must refund to the Education Authority the sick pay advanced to you if recovery of these monies is successful. You are required to accurately detail your state of health on the pre-employment Health Declaration Form. Failure to do so may be considered a disciplinary offence and/or could result in the offer of employment being withdrawn and/or could result in dismissal. Your entitlement to Occupational Sick Pay, which comprises statutory payments and payments under the Occupational Sick Pay Scheme, less any deduction under the NJC Pay and Conditions of Service as appropriate, is as follows: Length of Service During 1st year of service During 2 nd year of service During 3 rd year of service During 4 th and 5 th years service After 5 years service Entitlement 1 month s full pay and, after completing 4 months service, 2 months half pay 2 months full pay and 2 months half pay 4 months full pay and 4 months half pay 5 months full pay and 5 months half pay 6 months full pay and 6 months half pay NB: full pay is the full normal amount payable to that employee. If you work less than a 5 day/36 hours week and/or fewer than 52 weeks per annum, your entitlement will be pro rated accordingly. Entitlement is calculated on the basis of absence in the 12 month period immediately before your period of sickness absence. Reduction to half pay will be implemented on completion of payment of full pay entitlement. If you are absent due to illness, you are required to notify your Principal/Line Manager immediately and submit appropriate documentation to cover the absence

11 in accordance with the Managing Attendance Procedure. The Education Authority reserves the right to withhold payments where absence is not correctly notified, or where relevant documentation has not been received by the Education Authority. Abuse of the sick pay scheme will be dealt with under the Disciplinary Procedure. The Education Authority Occupational Sick Pay Scheme and the Disciplinary Procedures are available on the Education Authority intranet or through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 9. Notice The minimum period of notice to which you are entitled under the Employment Rights (NI) Order 1996 is as follows: Period of Continuous Employment Minimum Notice 1 month or more but less than 2 years 1 week 2 years or more but less than 12 years 1 week for each year of continuous employment 12 years or more not less than 12 weeks notice Where the Education Authority is required to give you notice, the Education Authority will provide notice in accordance with the statutory entitlement outlined above, unless employment is terminated on the grounds of summary dismissal for gross misconduct. The minimum period of notice of termination of your employment, which you are required to give, is not less than 1 calendar month/4 weeks. Employees on salary NJC Pt. 42 and above (or equivalent) are required to give 3 calendar months notice. You may not be required to work your notice period, and the Education Authority reserves the right to pay salary to you in lieu of part or all of your notice period. 10. Retirement If you contribute to the Local Government Pension Scheme, you can retire and receive your benefits in full once you have reached retirement age. You must advise your Principal/Line Manager in writing at least 4 months prior to your intended date of retirement in order to meet NILGOSC deadlines for pension release. Further information is available from the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 11. Superannuation Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme for Northern Ireland is available. The Education Authority will enrol you in the Scheme on a contractual basis provided your contract lasts for more than 3 months and contributions towards the scheme will be deducted from your pay. In addition, the Education Authority has a statutory obligation to automatically enrol you in the Scheme provided you meet the eligibility criteria at any time during your employment. Information and assistance on automatic enrolment is available from the Education Authority Human Resources Section.

12 12. Trade Union Membership The Education Authority supports the established system of collective bargaining and believes in the principles of solving industrial relations problems by discussion and agreement. For practical purposes, it is considered this can only be conducted through negotiations by representatives of the employer and employees. You have the right, and are encouraged by the Education Authority, to join a recognised independent Trade Union/Staff Association and to take part in its activities. Details of the independent Trade Unions and Staff Associations, that are recognised by the Education Authority and represented on the appropriate negotiating body, are available to you through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 13. Grievance Procedure If you have a grievance relating to your employment, please refer to the Education Authority procedure. A hard copy of the procedure is attached, and is current on the date of issue. In accordance with paragraph 4 above, the Education Authority may negotiate and agree variations to terms and conditions; and the Grievance Procedure that is current at any given time is available through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 14. Disciplinary Procedure The Procedure that the Education Authority is required to follow, in the event of having to take disciplinary action against you, is set out in the document attached to this Statement. The copy of the procedure attached is current on the date of issue, and includes the disciplinary rules. In accordance with paragraph 4 above, the Education Authority may negotiate and agree variations to terms and conditions, and the Disciplinary Procedure that is current at any given time is available through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 15. Harassment in the Workplace The Education Authority is committed to providing a safe and harmonious working environment and recognises that employees have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. You are required to undertake your duties in a professional manner, to comply with all reasonable instructions and to co-operate in the promotion of harmonious working relationships. A Policy Statement and Code of Practice on measures to combat harassment in the workplace is available on the Education Authority s Intranet, or through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 16. Maternity/Paternity/Adoption/Parental Leave Provisions There are Schemes in operation for the provision of Maternity, Adoption, Paternity and Parental leave. You are advised that there are time limits for notification, and further details of these Schemes are available on the Education Authority Intranet, or through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 17. Job Evaluation The Education Authority operates a Job Evaluation Scheme, which is covered by a collective agreement negotiated and agreed by the Trade Unions. While in the employment of the Education Authority, if your post is upgraded as a result of job evaluation, you will receive the increased wage/salary and any backdating agreed in accordance with the scheme. 18. Undertaking Work in Addition to This Post If you are intending to undertake any other paid employment or work you should, prior to undertaking the other work, notify the Education Authority of your intention to do so. This other work can only be undertaken where the Education Authority has granted written approval. Such

13 work will not normally be of concern provided that it does not, in the view of the Education Authority, conflict with the interests of the Education Authority, or detrimentally affect the interests of the Education Authority, or in any way weaken public confidence in the conduct of the business of the Education Authority, or breach current employment legislation including the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) Further information regarding work that may conflict with the interests of the Education Authority is contained within the Code of Conduct for Employees (Item 7 within the Code refers). If, on commencing this post, you are already undertaking other paid employment that you intend to continue, you should notify the Education Authority as outlined above. 19. Whistleblowing The Education Authority is committed to the highest standards of openness, probity and accountability in the delivery of its services. Whilst the Education Authority has put in place a wide range of rules, regulations, procedures and codes of practice to deliver its commitments, malpractice, abuse and/or wrongdoing may unfortunately still occur. The Education Authority does not tolerate any such malpractice, abuse or wrongdoing, and encourages anyone who has any knowledge of such to raise their concerns. If you have any such concerns, details of how to report such matters are contained in the Whistleblowing Policy, copies of which are available through the Education Authority Human Resources Section. 20. Child Protection The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for any individual on any barred list or who is the subject of a disqualification order from the courts; to apply for, offer to do, accept or do any work in a post involving regulated activity, paid or unpaid. Appointment to a post defined as regulated activity is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the vetting procedure, including receipt of a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from AccessNI. If your post involves any regulated activity, you are required to inform your Principal/Line Manager if, during your employment, you become the subject of an investigation into an allegation that involves matters of child protection; or if you are subject to police caution, bind over or conviction for any offence that could impact upon your suitability to work in regulated activity. Failure to do so will be considered a most serious breach of discipline. 21. Full List of Terms and Conditions of Service This is not a complete list of your terms and conditions of employment. Further information on terms and conditions is available, on request, from the Education Authority Human Resources Section. I acknowledge receipt of the original of this document and accept the conditions detailed within it. Revised 1 April 2015