ADVERT ID 261480
Special Needs Assistant
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MAIN DETAILS
Status:
Active
Level:
Primary
Date Posted:
Thu Aug 27 2026
Application Closing Date:
Thu Sep 10 2026
Commencement Date:
Mon Sep 14 2026
Status of Post:
Substitute - maternity
Number of Vacancies:
1
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SCHOOL DETAILS
School Type:
Mainstream
School Structure:
Vertical
Gender:
Co-Educational
School Patronage:
Church of Ireland
Classification:
DEIS Rural
Total No. of Teaching Staff:
3
Current Enrolment:
16
Droichead school:
Yes
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POST DETAILS
Panel of Applicants:
An internal panel of suitable applicants may be set up to fill vacancies which may occur within a specific time period (four months for teacher posts and the duration of the school year for SNA posts) from the date on which the Board approves the successful candidate.
Additional Information:
The Board of Management of St Thomas’ National School invites applications for a full-time substitute Special Needs Assistant position to cover maternity leave.
This is a specified-purpose contract which will terminate when the substantive post-holder resumes duty. The position is currently expected to continue until approximately late February 2027 and may be extended if the post-holder avails of further approved maternity-related leave.
St Thomas’ National School is a small, rural, co-educational, multi-grade DEIS primary school under the patronage of the Church of Ireland. The successful candidate will be expected to respect and support the ethos of the school.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements for employment as an SNA as specified by the Department of Education.
Experience supporting pupils with autism, ADHD and primary care needs, including toileting and medical care, is desirable. The successful candidate should demonstrate kindness, discretion, flexibility, initiative, strong communication skills and an ability to work effectively as part of a team.
The appointed SNA will work under the direction of the Principal and class teachers. Duties may be assigned across the school in accordance with pupils’ identified care needs and the operational requirements of the school.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, verification of qualifications, current Garda Vetting requirements, occupational health clearance where required, Patron approval and Department of Education sanction.
Applications should be submitted by email only to recruitment@stthomasns.ie by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday 10 September 2026. Please use “SNA Maternity Cover – Applicant Name” as the email subject.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Canvassing will disqualify.
An internal panel of suitable applicants may be established from which future cover SNA vacancies arising during the 2026/2027 school year may be filled.
This is a specified-purpose contract which will terminate when the substantive post-holder resumes duty. The position is currently expected to continue until approximately late February 2027 and may be extended if the post-holder avails of further approved maternity-related leave.
St Thomas’ National School is a small, rural, co-educational, multi-grade DEIS primary school under the patronage of the Church of Ireland. The successful candidate will be expected to respect and support the ethos of the school.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements for employment as an SNA as specified by the Department of Education.
Experience supporting pupils with autism, ADHD and primary care needs, including toileting and medical care, is desirable. The successful candidate should demonstrate kindness, discretion, flexibility, initiative, strong communication skills and an ability to work effectively as part of a team.
The appointed SNA will work under the direction of the Principal and class teachers. Duties may be assigned across the school in accordance with pupils’ identified care needs and the operational requirements of the school.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, verification of qualifications, current Garda Vetting requirements, occupational health clearance where required, Patron approval and Department of Education sanction.
Applications should be submitted by email only to recruitment@stthomasns.ie by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday 10 September 2026. Please use “SNA Maternity Cover – Applicant Name” as the email subject.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Canvassing will disqualify.
An internal panel of suitable applicants may be established from which future cover SNA vacancies arising during the 2026/2027 school year may be filled.
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Letter of Application
- Referees (name, role, contact no.)
- Standard Application Form for SNA Posts - in English
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Applications may be submitted by
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Roll Number:
18591C
Apply To:
recruitment@stthomasns.ie
Applications should be submitted by email only to recruitment@stthomasns.ie and must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
Applications should be submitted by email only to recruitment@stthomasns.ie and must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
County:
Westmeath
Website:
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