Menu
05/09/2023
UUP Praises NI's Classroom Assistants
The Ulster Unionist Party has praised the professionalism and commitment of classroom assistants across NI as the new school year begins.
Speaking as schools return, Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson, Robbie Butler, said: "As we enter a new school year, I wanted to raise my heartfelt appreciation for the hundreds of individuals across Northern Ireland, who commit themselves to supporting our most vulnerable children.
"Being a classroom assistant to children with Special Educational Needs is a vocation, one that requires abilities and understanding that are often not given the recognition they deserve.
"Unfortunately, due to the ongoing failure to form an Executive, the ability to ensure the funding and support urgently required to fill vacant positions means that many schools, parents, and children face a school year of turmoil.
"I have been assured by the Education Authority that filling vacant classroom assistant positions is their HR priority; however, the lack of a Minister and Executive to bring forward solutions means that the Authority is doing this with one hand tied behind their backs.
"Our education system should ensure that those children with special needs are given priority support. Unfortunately, continued failures at Stormont have resulted in schools and parents being left unsure of what support is going to be available.
"We need to consider the transformation of how we can best support the skills of classroom assistants to fully meet our children's needs. The salary and conditions currently provided require urgent review and, in a returned Assembly, I and party colleagues will challenge for this to be prioritised."
Speaking as schools return, Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson, Robbie Butler, said: "As we enter a new school year, I wanted to raise my heartfelt appreciation for the hundreds of individuals across Northern Ireland, who commit themselves to supporting our most vulnerable children.
"Being a classroom assistant to children with Special Educational Needs is a vocation, one that requires abilities and understanding that are often not given the recognition they deserve.
"Unfortunately, due to the ongoing failure to form an Executive, the ability to ensure the funding and support urgently required to fill vacant positions means that many schools, parents, and children face a school year of turmoil.
"I have been assured by the Education Authority that filling vacant classroom assistant positions is their HR priority; however, the lack of a Minister and Executive to bring forward solutions means that the Authority is doing this with one hand tied behind their backs.
"Our education system should ensure that those children with special needs are given priority support. Unfortunately, continued failures at Stormont have resulted in schools and parents being left unsure of what support is going to be available.
"We need to consider the transformation of how we can best support the skills of classroom assistants to fully meet our children's needs. The salary and conditions currently provided require urgent review and, in a returned Assembly, I and party colleagues will challenge for this to be prioritised."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
17 September 2013
Call To Extend Free School Meals
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Chris Hazzard has called for free school meals to be extended for all children attending school.
Call To Extend Free School Meals
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Chris Hazzard has called for free school meals to be extended for all children attending school.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
