St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School
Hartford Road
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 5LE
Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust

Person Specification – Pupil Support Assistant Level 2

Part A: Application Stage
The following criteria (experience, skills and qualifications) will be used to short-list at the application stage:

Desirable
1	Experience of supporting children in a learning environment	
2	Knowledge of national/foundation stage curriculum	
3	Experience of classroom organisation	
4	First Aid Training	

Part B: Assessment Stage
Items 1, 2, and 3 of the application stage criteria and the criteria below will be further explored at the assessment stage:

Essential
		
1	Able to use language and other communication skills that children can understand and relate to.	
2	Able to empathise with the needs of children and in particular able to establish positive relationships with pupils.	
3	Able to consistently and effectively implement agreed behaviour management strategies.	
4	Able to provide levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to pupils’ needs	
5	Able to work within and apply all relevant school policies and schemes of work	
6	Able to supervise groups of pupils.	
7	Able to carry out and report on systematic observations of pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills.	
8	Able to work effectively as part of a team	
9	Committed to achieving further professional development	
10	Appropriate behaviour and attitude towards safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people including: 
•	motivation to work with children and young people
•	ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people 
•	emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
•	attitude to use of authority and maintaining discipline.
•	able to work in partnership with other agencies
	
11	No disclosure about criminal convictions or safeguarding concern that makes applicant unsuitable for this post.	

Desirable
1	Knowledge of SEN Code of Practice	
2	Experience of supporting children on a 1:1 basis 	
3	Experience of working in early years	

The following methods of assessment will be used:

Method		Method		
Interview	Yes	Presentation	No	
Lesson Observation	No	Structured discussion with pupils	Yes	

Part C: Additional Requirements

The following criteria must be judged as satisfactory when pre-employment checks are completed:

1	Enhanced Certificate of Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau	
2	Additional criminal record checks if applicant has lived outside the UK	
3	List 99 and/or POCA List (residential establishments only) check	
4	Medical clearance	
5	Two references from current and previous employers (or education establishment if applicant not in employment)