SEN training programme launched to strengthen early support for children with additional needs

Education Minister Paul Givan pictured at the launch of the SEN Reform Training project with project participants and representatives from the five further education colleges involved in delivering the project.

A new training initiative aimed at strengthening early support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) has been officially launched by Education Minister Paul Givan, placing a renewed focus on equipping classroom assistants with specialist skills during the earliest stages of learning.

The Early Years Assistants SEN Training project, which began in January, offers accredited SEN-specific training for classroom assistants working with children in pre-school and Primary 1 and 2 settings.

The programme is being delivered by five further education colleges across Northern Ireland and is funded through the Public Sector Transformation Fund (PSTF).

Speaking at the official launch event held at South Eastern Regional College, the Minister highlighted the central role classroom assistants play in helping young children navigate the start of their education.

“Classroom assistants play a vital role in supporting children at the earliest stages of their learning,” said Mr Givan.

“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 forms part of wider efforts linked to the Minister’s SEN Reform Agenda, which aims to improve support structures for children with additional needs across Northern Ireland’s education system.

Under the programme, a suite of accredited courses focused specifically on SEN support will be delivered across the region. Currently, 114 classroom assistants are taking part in the 2025/2026 cohort.

A further 240 training places are planned over the next two years, expanding access to professional development for assistants working directly with young children during their formative educational years.

Alongside the training itself, the programme will also measure its impact. The outcomes will be evaluated and used to inform future professional development opportunities for classroom assistants supporting pupils with additional needs.

Schools taking part say the benefits are already being felt at a practical level within classrooms.

Orla O’Dowd, Principal of St. Francis’ Primary School, Nursery Unit and Bunscoil Naomh Proinsias, welcomed the opportunity for staff to participate in the programme.

“We are delighted that five members of our staff have had the opportunity to engage in this accredited training,” she said.

“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.”

By focusing on the earliest years of education, the project aims to ensure children with additional needs receive the right support from the moment they enter the classroom — helping lay stronger foundations for learning as they progress through school.

At a glance

• Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a new training programme for classroom assistants supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

• The Early Years Assistants SEN Training project began in January and provides accredited SEN-specific courses.

• Training is aimed at assistants working with children in pre-school and Primary 1 and 2 settings.

  
  

• Five further education colleges across Northern Ireland are delivering the programme, funded by the Public Sector Transformation Fund.

• A total of 114 assistants are currently enrolled in the 2025/2026 cohort.

• An additional 240 training places are planned over the next two years.

• The programme will be evaluated to inform future professional development for classroom assistants.