To ask the Minister of Education to detail an update on the strategic review of the classroom assistant employment model.

The strategic review of the classroom assistant employment model is being taken forward by the Education Authority (EA).

The EA has advised that the project infrastructure has been put in place, with an initial scoping exercise carried out and a range of workstreams developed. These workstreams cover the development of: (i) a new employment model with new job descriptions; (ii) a digital non-teaching staff bank to support central recruitment; (iii) a professional development pathway; and (iv) professional standards.

Significant and continuous engagement with stakeholders has been undertaken over the past 12 months, and the EA plans to initiate a further engagement process at the beginning of the 2025/26 academic year. This will help to ensure that any new employment model meets the needs of all stakeholders, in particular children and young people.