Menu
04/02/2020
Calls For Autism Training For NI Teachers
Education Minister Peter Weir is under pressure to introduce mandatory autism training for teachers and classroom assistants across Northern Ireland.
Autism diagnosis has doubled in the past six years, with one in 30 children now confirmed as having the disorder.
A motion by DUP MLA Pam Cameron urging Mr Weir to explore mandatory training was recently amended by Green Party MLA Rachel Woods to demand decisive action on the matter.
The majority of young people with autism are educated in mainstream schools.
A petition signed by over ten thousand people in support of the training was submitted to the Department of Education last September.
Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan was among the other members of the Assembly to pledge her support for the motion on Monday 03 February.
The party's Education Spokesperson said: "Our teaching staff want to be supported to provide the best education and care to our young people. They need to be equipped with the skills to do so.
"The role of the teacher is evolving; they are increasingly working with children with complex needs so the introduction of training will be beneficial to their work and the needs of the child.
"Today's motion is only the start; parents and young people need action and our teaching staff need action."
(JG/CM)
Autism diagnosis has doubled in the past six years, with one in 30 children now confirmed as having the disorder.
A motion by DUP MLA Pam Cameron urging Mr Weir to explore mandatory training was recently amended by Green Party MLA Rachel Woods to demand decisive action on the matter.
The majority of young people with autism are educated in mainstream schools.
A petition signed by over ten thousand people in support of the training was submitted to the Department of Education last September.
Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan was among the other members of the Assembly to pledge her support for the motion on Monday 03 February.
The party's Education Spokesperson said: "Our teaching staff want to be supported to provide the best education and care to our young people. They need to be equipped with the skills to do so.
"The role of the teacher is evolving; they are increasingly working with children with complex needs so the introduction of training will be beneficial to their work and the needs of the child.
"Today's motion is only the start; parents and young people need action and our teaching staff need action."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2002
Hard-hitting reports on autism and dyslexia unveiled
The Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland departments of education have published two reports on the educational provision for children with Autism and Dyslexia.
Hard-hitting reports on autism and dyslexia unveiled
The Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland departments of education have published two reports on the educational provision for children with Autism and Dyslexia.
21 September 2011
O'Dowd Hits Back On Classroom Jobs
Fears over an apparent lack of job opportunities for newly qualified teachers have been in focus this week. It has been claimed that as many as 95% of new teachers are unable to secure full time jobs. That's according to a DUP MLA who underlined the claim when MLAs debated the concerns over the number of new teachers at Stormont.
O'Dowd Hits Back On Classroom Jobs
Fears over an apparent lack of job opportunities for newly qualified teachers have been in focus this week. It has been claimed that as many as 95% of new teachers are unable to secure full time jobs. That's according to a DUP MLA who underlined the claim when MLAs debated the concerns over the number of new teachers at Stormont.
18 June 2021
Additional Funding Secured For Clinical Academic Training Programme
Additional funding of £385,000 to expand the Clinical Academic Training Programme has been announced by Health Minister Robin Swann.
Additional Funding Secured For Clinical Academic Training Programme
Additional funding of £385,000 to expand the Clinical Academic Training Programme has been announced by Health Minister Robin Swann.
28 May 2010
Mullan Training Expands IT Courses
A company that has been delivering Microsoft accredited corporate IT courses for over 15 years, Mullan Training, is now urging a greater use of its training resources. Already working with clients such as NIE, the NI Housing Executive and FG Wilson, they have always been a trusted provider of professional computer training.
Mullan Training Expands IT Courses
A company that has been delivering Microsoft accredited corporate IT courses for over 15 years, Mullan Training, is now urging a greater use of its training resources. Already working with clients such as NIE, the NI Housing Executive and FG Wilson, they have always been a trusted provider of professional computer training.
24 March 2009
Sir Reg Hails Training Award Winners
Five winners of National Training Awards who successfully represented Northern Ireland at the UK final in London have been praised. Sir Reg Empey (pictured) hosted a reception in Parliament Buildings to mark the success of these finalists and he highlighted the significance of winning a much coveted National Training Award.
Sir Reg Hails Training Award Winners
Five winners of National Training Awards who successfully represented Northern Ireland at the UK final in London have been praised. Sir Reg Empey (pictured) hosted a reception in Parliament Buildings to mark the success of these finalists and he highlighted the significance of winning a much coveted National Training Award.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
