North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston addressed the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday about proposed reforms to special educational needs support.

Gaston stated that classroom assistants play a vital role in supporting pupils. He noted concerns from staff and families over the practical effects of the changes.

The Traditional Unionist Voice representative highlighted fears among assistants that shifting from one-to-one support models endangers their positions.

Gaston asked the Education Minister for estimates on the number of classroom assistant posts potentially at risk due to the proposals.

He inquired whether impact assessments cover redundancies, reductions in hours or staff redeployment.

The MLA reported that classroom assistants have raised these issues directly with him at school gates.

Gaston questioned assessments of how the changes affect workloads, responsibilities and safeguarding duties for assistants.

He stressed that any expansion of responsibilities requires matching adjustments to terms, conditions and pay scales.

Gaston argued that successful SEN reform depends on confidence from the workforce and families, with clear answers needed.

He has tabled written questions to the Education Minister for more details on the proposals' effects.