A significant new report by CES and Ulster University School of Education sheds light for the first time on the diverse experiences and critical challenges facing Classroom Assistants in Northern Ireland. The report was launched by Minister for Education, Paul Givan MLA, at Parliament Buildings in Belfast on 28th January 2025.
With responses from almost 1,500 Classroom Assistants in primary, secondary, grammar, and special school settings, the research found a number of challenges and gaps related to recruitment, deployment, pay, and professional development.
The number of Classroom Assistants in Northern Ireland has grown by almost two thirds (63%) in the last 6 years. Despite this, their position in the special educational needs (SEN) landscape has never been strategically evaluated in terms of contribution, efficiency or impact.
The report finds that increasing demands have been placed on Classroom Assistants, relating to the growing numbers of pupils with diverse and complex Special Educational Needs, including children with challenging behaviours. The wide-ranging and ambiguous nature of their job descriptions has led to vastly different deployment experiences, with some working beyond their remit and even undertaking teaching duties.
Classroom Assistants believed that the increased reliance on ad hoc approaches to recruitment de-skills and de-values their role, and that this is a significant disincentive in attracting and retaining suitable candidates. The majority also felt they are unfairly paid for the level of responsibility and wide-ranging nature of the work they are doing. Added to this, many did not feel they are recognised as a valued and respected member of the school community.
A Classroom Assistant who participated in the study said:
“Unfortunately, at this current juncture we have a situation in Northern Ireland where the role of Classroom Assistants is often undervalued and underpaid. There is no opportunity to progress, no structure whereby I can engage in continuous professional development … I believe this seriously undermines the status and morale of Classroom Assistants who, on a daily basis, are busting their gut to be the best they can be and to help the pupils to be the best they can be”.
The report includes a series of key messages in relation to areas for future action, including: a review of recruitment practices, job descriptions and job titles; a more consistent approach to continuing professional development; and the introduction of a career pathway. The research team recognises the progress already made by the Minister and his Department to advance the SEN transformation agenda. The report’s key messages are therefore intended to contribute to the ongoing exploration and development of options and opportunities for the Classroom Assistant workforce - an integral part of this agenda.
Education Minister Paul Givan MLA said:
“Classroom assistants play an integral role in supporting teachers and ensuring that every child has access to the best possible learning experience. Earlier this month, I announced a programme for reforming the provision of support for children with special educational needs and this report is particularly timely for the work which is being taken forward as part of that reform agenda".
“As we celebrate the contributions of classroom assistants today, we must also seek to critically evaluate our current practices and reconsider the traditional approach of one-to-one classroom assistant support. Evidence suggests that collaborative approaches, where classroom assistants work with small groups or in partnership with teachers, can be more effective in promoting engagement and learning. Some of our schools are already seeing the benefits of these approaches to children and we must make these opportunities more widely available as we continue to be guided by best practice and evidence on what works.”
Dr Alison Montgomery, CES Senior Project Specialist said:
“This report emphasises the need for a cohesive and transparent response involving key stakeholders across the education system to resolve the challenges highlighted through the research. This is essential to ensure the Classroom Assistant post is recognised and redefined so that this vital workforce can contribute most effectively to providing SEN support in schools.”
Professor Una O’Connor Bones, Research Director in the School of Education, Ulster University commented:
“The research represents the first in-depth study of this vital school-based workforce in NI and draws directly on the experiences and perspectives of almost 1,500 Classroom Assistants. It provides unique and necessary insights into the nature of the role, along with the challenges and frustrations that many have encountered.”
The launch event was covered by BBC Northern Ireland on its website Classroom assistants say they are 'undervalued' and 'overlooked' - BBC News on the BBC Newsline evening news.
You can read the full report here.
