Classroom Assistant - Special Educational Needs

Location: Sullivan Upper School, Belfast Road, Holywood, BT18 9EP
Salary: Points 11-14, £14.99-£15.73 per hour
Contract: Fixed-term, part-time, term-time
Start date: As soon as possible, subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks

Sullivan Upper School is seeking three caring and enthusiastic Classroom Assistants to support pupils within its Secondary Department.

The successful candidates will work with pupils on the Special Educational Needs Register, including those with social, behavioural, emotional and wellbeing needs and/or communication and social interaction difficulties.

Available positions:

Two posts working 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.40am-3.40pm
One post working 19.5 hours per week, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8.40am-3.40pm

These are fixed-term appointments that may be extended or reviewed.

The role

Working under the direction of the SENCO and classroom teachers, you will help pupils access the curriculum, participate in school life and develop greater confidence and independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

Providing individual and small-group support in and outside the classroom
Supporting pupils with learning activities, equipment and classroom resources
Helping to implement Education Plans, Care Plans and behaviour-support programmes
Encouraging pupil participation, motivation and independence
Supporting pupils with personal, physical, medical or dietary needs when required
Supervising pupils during breaks, movement between classes and off-site activities
Monitoring progress and providing regular feedback to teachers and the SENCO
Maintaining accurate records and respecting pupil confidentiality
Helping to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment

About you

Applicants must:

Be aged 18 or over
Hold GCSEs, or equivalent, in English, Mathematics and at least three other subjects
Have paid or voluntary experience supporting post-primary-aged children with special educational needs
Understand the role of a Special Educational Needs Classroom Assistant
Have knowledge of child development, particularly relating to special educational needs
Be confident using ICT, including cloud-based applications such as OneDrive or Google Drive
Communicate effectively with pupils, parents and colleagues
Be empathetic, flexible, reliable and committed to confidentiality
Be able to work independently and as part of a team
Be willing to undertake relevant training

A relevant Classroom Assistant qualification and experience providing one-to-one SEN support within a post-primary school would be advantageous.

Benefits

Salary paid in equal monthly instalments
Annual leave and statutory holiday entitlement calculated on a pro-rata basis
Cycle to Work Scheme
Option to join Benenden Healthcare as a corporate member
Free on-site parking
Agreed additional hours paid as overtime

Sullivan Upper School is a large, co-educational and interdenominational voluntary grammar school situated within 25 acres of grounds overlooking Belfast Lough.

Closing date: 4.00pm on Thursday 1 October 2026
Interviews: Friday 16 October 2026

Please apply today. Suitable candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps.

Sullivan Upper School is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

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Classroom Assistant