A report indicates that 91% of teachers in Northern Ireland experience moderate to high burnout, while 46% consider leaving the profession.

UUP leader and education spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA described pressures from rising workloads, insufficient support, and administrative demands. He advocated for improved pay and professional accreditation for classroom assistants, plus additional training and resources for pupils with special educational needs. Burrows also requested streamlined information from the Education Authority and addressed issues with substitute teacher availability and the NISTR IT system.

Alliance Education spokesperson Nick Mathison MLA stated that workloads for Special Educational Needs Coordinators, many of whom also teach classes, are unfair and unsustainable. He highlighted increased administration and bureaucracy from reforms involving EA Local Impact Teams.

Mathison noted an 85% rise in pupils with statements of special educational needs over the past 10 years, with numbers expected to grow. He called for interventions to reduce SENCO workloads, resourced Local Impact Teams, and a review of the SENCO role.

Alliance plans to debate a motion on the issue in the Assembly on 28 April. Mathison chairs Stormont’s Education Committee.