School helpers will go on strike

But last-minute talks between unions and employers ended with both sides upbeat about a possible settlement.

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane met both parties earlier in an attempt to resolve the 12-year-long dispute, which centres on salaries and pay grades.

Most special schools are expected not to open, while a number of mainstream schools plan to close at lunchtime.

Others say that parents of pupils with special needs may keep their children at home.

Another three-day strike is planned for October.

Following the talks, Ms Ruane said she was "pleased that progress has been made towards resolving this dispute and recognising the invaluable work that classroom assistants perform for our children".

"This is a time for moving forward, and I am convinced this dispute can be resolved through dialogue that explores new and creative thinking," she said.

"Further meetings are planned for coming days and by sticking at this we can achieve a positive outcome."

The Department of Education has denied that any classroom assistant will lose out in the job evaluation scheme which is being negotiated.

All staff have been told they will not lose any pay or pension as long as they remain in their current jobs.

Unison, which represents 2,500 classroom assistants, said although this statement was correct, the real issue was how the deal would affect those who apply for the jobs in the future.

It said some current staff would get pay rises back-dated 12 years but others would not get increases.

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