Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson, Robbie Butler MLA, has used the start of the new school year to highlight the professionalism and commitment of classroom assistants across Northern Ireland.

Speaking as schools return, Mr 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.”