Debate contribution: Fair Contracts for Classroom Assistants

Debate contribution by Ms Cara Hunter on 1 June 2026.

MLA: Ms Cara Hunter
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 1 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Fair Contracts for Classroom Assistants
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5581171

Text

When I spoke to the classroom assistants, I was quite shocked to learn about the variety of jobs that they do. Some are a listening ear, while others feed or change children and do much more. Given that over 22,000 classroom assistants are holding up our SEN support system, can the Minister bring in a proper career structure for them through, for example, accredited training, recognised qualifications and pathways for progression?

71 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2381/22-27.

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