A profile of Classroom Assistants in Northern Ireland

Una O'Connor, Caroline Courtney, Alison Montgomery, Christina Curran

Research output: Other contributionpeer-review

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Abstract

In Northern Ireland (NI), there has been an exponential growth in Classroom Assistant (CA) numbers over recent years - between 2018/19 and 2023/24, the number of posts increased by almost two thirds (63%). However, the absence of any large-scale, in-depth review has created a significant knowledge and practice gap in relation to a pivotal workforce whose position in the special educational needs (SEN) landscape has never been strategically evaluated in terms of contribution, impact or efficiency.

The aim of the project was to establish a profile of the CA workforce in mainstream and special schools in NI. The objectives were to: provide an overview of recruitment and deployment procedures; identify CA duties and
responsibilities; record CA perceptions of their role in school and perspectives on the future of the post; and provide key messages that can contribute to policy and decision-making around any future review of the CA post. To address
these objectives, a two-phase, mixed methods study, comprising a large-scale quantitative survey and focus groups was developed.
Research findings and key messages are identified in relation to: recruitment and employment; deployment and support for SEN; the CA role; training, induction and appraisal; CA status within the school; and the future of the CA post.
Original languageEnglish
TypeReport on the profile of classroom assistants in NI
Media of outputReport
PublisherUlster University
Number of pages68
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 19 Dec 2024

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