Gaston raises concerns over classroom assistant jobs amid SEN reform plans

North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston

North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston has warned that proposed changes to special educational needs (SEN) support could place classroom assistant jobs at risk and increase pressure inside classrooms.

Speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, Gaston paid tribute to the “vital role classroom assistants play” in supporting pupils but said staff and families are increasingly worried about how the proposed reforms may work in practice.

The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) representative said many assistants fear the potential impact of moving away from one-to-one support models for pupils with additional needs.

“I welcome the recognition in the motion of ‘the vital role classroom assistants play in supporting’ children in our schools,” he told the Assembly.

“Even the DUP Members must recognise that there are serious questions, which the Minister must address, about the practical implications of the proposed changes to SEN provision.”

Fears over job security

Gaston said classroom assistants had expressed deep concerns about their future roles if the system moves away from direct one-to-one support.

He asked what estimates had been made of the number of posts that could be affected.

“Many classroom assistants are deeply worried about what moving away from one-to-one support will mean for them in practice,” he said.

“What estimate has been made of the number of classroom assistant posts that may be at risk as a direct result of the proposals? Have any impact assessments been carried out of the potential for redundancies, reductions in hours or redeployment of staff?”

The MLA said those concerns were being raised directly with him by people working in schools across the community.

“Those are the real fears being expressed by the people who I meet every morning at the school gate — people who have devoted years to supporting some of the most vulnerable children in our education system.”

Workload and safeguarding questions

Gaston also questioned how changes to SEN support structures could affect workloads and safeguarding responsibilities for classroom assistants.

“If the model of support is to change, what assessment has been made of the implications for workload, responsibility and safeguarding in the classroom?” he asked.

“Classroom assistants already carry significant responsibilities in supporting pupils with varying needs.”

He added that any expansion or change in responsibilities must be matched with proper recognition.

“If those responsibilities are to be expanded or altered under a new model, the Minister must answer on whether their terms, conditions and pay scales will properly reflect that reality.

“It cannot be right that expectations grow while recognition does not.”

Calls for clarity from the Education Minister

Gaston said any reform of the SEN system would only succeed if the workforce delivering support in schools has confidence in the proposals.

“If reform is the command, it has to command the confidence of the workforce and all families,” he said.

“Questions must be answered clearly and transparently. The success of any reform will ultimately depend on neither documents nor strategies but on the people who are working day-to-day in our classrooms.

“Classroom assistants deserve clarity about their future and fairness in how their work is valued.”

The North Antrim MLA has since tabled a number of written questions to the Education Minister seeking further detail on the potential impact of the proposals.

At a glance

• North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston raised concerns in the Assembly about proposed SEN reforms.

• He warned that moving away from one-to-one support could put classroom assistant jobs at risk.

• Gaston asked whether impact assessments have been carried out on possible redundancies or reduced hours.

• He also raised concerns about increased workload and safeguarding responsibilities in classrooms.

• The MLA said assistants already play a vital role supporting vulnerable pupils.

• He called for clarity from the Education Minister on how reforms will affect staff terms, pay and job security.

• Gaston has submitted written Assembly questions seeking further detail on the proposals.