Education Minister has officially launched a
programme of training designed for classroom assistants who
support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
The Early Years Assistants SEN Training project was launched in
January and provides accredited SEN-specific training for
classroom assistants working with children in pre-school and
primary 1 and 2. The bespoke training is being delivered by
five further education colleges and is funded by the Public
Sector Transformation Fund (PSTF).
Speaking during the project launch event at the South-Eastern
Regional College, the Minister said: “Classroom assistants
play a vital role in supporting children at the earliest stages
of their learning. This project is delivering accredited
SEN-specific training, in line with my commitment to invest in
and build confidence in our workforce to meet children's needs as
set out in my SEN Reform Agenda.
“By ensuring that children with SEN are supported at the earliest
opportunity by skilled professionals, we can improve their
educational outcomes as they begin their educational journeys.”
The project will see a suite of accredited SEN-specific courses
delivered right across Northern Ireland. A total of 114
assistants are currently participating in the 2025/2026 cohort,
with an additional 240 training places planned over the next two
years.
The focus of this project is on supporting children in their
early, formative years. The impact of the training will be
evaluated and the evidence will be used to inform future
professional development for classroom assistants.
Orla O'Dowd, Principal of St. Francis' Primary School, Nursery
Unit and Bunscoil Naomh Proinsias said: “We are delighted
that five members of our staff have had the opportunity to engage
in this accredited training. This programme will not only
strengthen professional expertise within our school but will also
have a direct and positive impact on the children we serve.”
