Education Minister Paul Givan launched a training project for classroom assistants who work with pupils that have special educational needs. The initiative targets staff in pre-school, Primary 1 and Primary 2 settings.

The programme started in January and runs through five further education colleges in Northern Ireland. It provides specialist accredited courses funded by the Primary Schools Transformation Fund.

Givan spoke at the launch in South Eastern Regional College. He said classroom assistants support children in early learning stages and that the training aligns with his special educational needs reform plans.

The minister added that skilled professionals aiding children with special needs early on can boost their educational results.

Enrollment stands at 114 assistants for the 2025/2026 group. Officials plan 240 more places over the next two years.

Orla O'Dowd, principal of St. Francis' Primary School Nursery Unit and Bunscoil Naomh Proinsias, said five staff members from her school joined the training. She noted it builds staff skills and benefits the children.

Project organisers will assess outcomes to guide future training for classroom assistants.