AQW 9592/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 08/04/2024
Answered On Date: 12/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, further to his approval of the teachers’ pay awards, (i) when he will announce a review of the pay and grading structure; and (ii) whether the review will include teaching assistants’ pay.

Answer:

Department officials have been in discussion with the Education Authority regarding a Pay & Grading Review business case for support staff. This was submitted to the Department of Finance and approval was granted on 4 April 2024.

Given the significant cost associated with the Pay & Grading Review, my Department will need additional funding from the Executive in order to implement its recommendations. I have therefore submitted a bid for this funding as part of the Executive’s Budget 2024-25 process.

The Pay & Grading Review covers school support staff, including classroom assistants.