Assists teaching staff in preparing teaching materials and with general classroom tasks.

Demonstrates, supervises and participates in activities which enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children in schools and preschool centres; prepares indoor and outdoor areas for learning and recreational activities; assists children with intellectual, physical and behavioural difficulties with their academic studies; assists children individually to learn social skills; assists with preparing teaching aids, and copying and collating written and printed material; distributes and collects lesson materials.

• Works indoors and sometimes outdoors in schools and pre-schools. Frequently works with individual students or small groups of children within classrooms who require additional assistance with specific curriculum areas.
• Works in adequately heated and ventilated spaces when indoors. Works outdoors but generally only when the weather is fine.
• May work with some special needs students who have significant behaviour management issues.

• Typically sedentary to light physical demand.
• Frequently stands and walks around the class.
• Frequently sits, kneels, squats or crouches at low desks while working alongside children.
• Stretching up and reaching across may be necessary occasionally.
• Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant feature of the job.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is not a significant feature of the job.
• Lifting, carrying and holding of school equipment and small children may be occasionally required.
• Repetitive movement of the hands is required when using writing or drawing instruments and when operating a computer.
• Driving may be required but is not a significant feature of the job.
• Use of hand-held objects/materials will include computers, photocopiers, printers, overhead projectors as well as writing and drawing materials, books, videos and other audio-visual and recreational equipment.
• Mental skills necessary communication, practical, creative and organisational skills.

According to ANZSCO a New Zealand Register Level 2 or 3 qualification or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4) is required to enter this role. For entry level roles on the job training may be sufficient. Applying for this role is likely to involve a police background check.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.