Education Minister Paul Givan launched a training programme for classroom assistants who work with children with special educational needs in pre-school, primary 1 and primary 2 settings. The programme started in January. Five further education colleges provide the accredited courses throughout Northern Ireland. The Public Sector Transformation Fund covers the costs.

Givan stated that classroom assistants help children during initial learning stages. He noted the training aligns with workforce investment commitments in the special educational needs reform agenda. He added that skilled professionals offering early support boost educational results for these children.

The 2025/2026 cohort includes 114 assistants. Officials scheduled 240 more places over the next two years. They intend to assess the training effects to guide future development for classroom assistants.

Orla O'Dowd, principal of St. Francis’ Primary School, Nursery Unit and Bunscoil Naomh Proinsias, stated five staff from her school joined the training. She indicated it improves staff skills and aids the children.