Education Minister Paul Givan has officially introduced a new training initiative tailored for classroom assistants who support pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

The Early Years Assistants SEN Training project, which commenced in January, offers accredited, specialist instruction for staff working with children in pre-school as well as Primary 1 and 2.

Transformation Fund (PSTF) and is being delivered through five further education colleges across Northern Ireland. Speaking at the launch event held at the South Eastern Regional College, the Minister highlighted the importance of early intervention.

Minister Givan stated: "Classroom assistants play a vital role in supporting children at the earliest stages of their learning. This project is delivering accredited SEN-specific training, in line with my commitment to invest in and build confidence in our workforce to meet children's needs as set out in my SEN Reform Agenda. "By ensuring that children with SEN are supported at the earliest opportunity by skilled professionals, we can improve their educational outcomes as they begin their educational journeys."

The initiative features a range of accredited courses available nationwide. Currently, 114 assistants are enrolled in the 2025/2026 cohort, and there are plans to provide an additional 240 training places over the following two years.

Focusing on the formative years of a child's development, the project's results will be evaluated to help shape future professional development strategies for classroom assistants.

Welcoming the development, Orla O'Dowd, Principal of St. Francis' Primary School, Nursery Unit and Bunscoil Naomh Proinsias, said: "We are delighted that five members of our staff have had the opportunity to engage in this accredited training. This programme will not only strengthen professional expertise within our school but will also have a direct and positive impact on the children we serve."