UNISON will continue campaigning for school staff to be properly recognised after the “great success” of the Stars in our Schools celebration last Friday.
The union’s national secretary for education and chldren’s services, Jon Richards, said today: “Friday’s Stars in our Schools event was a great success and a colourful celebration day of school support staff across the UK.
“The campaign has allowed us to approach schools with a positive agenda and has been a great recruitment opportunity for UNISON.
“We will build on this success and continue our campaigning for school staff to be better rewarded for the work they do, with proper career structures and improved pay, terms and conditions.”
The day saw UNISON branches across the UK work with schools to thank their support staff for the great jobs they do in keeping our schools running smoothly, keeping children safe and healthy, and helping our children learn.
Branches delivered hampers full of treats, including foil-covered chocolate stars, and ran prize draws.
Many also arranged school visits from local VIPs such as MPs, councillors and mayors.
Schools came up with all sorts of ideas to mark the day, from coffee, cakes and thank-you cards to fancy dress, red carpet award ceremonies and even a zumba class.
While the day was full of creativity and fun, UNISON used the opportunity to highlight the challenges of low pay and ever-increasing workload faced by school support staff.
“Please continue to tell us about events and recruitment activity in your area,” added Mr Richards.
“We will be evaluating the success of the campaign in engaging schools and recruitment. Please send any feedback to education@unison.co.uk.”
Dave Prentis TES blog: Don’t let the hidden stars in our schools burn out
Jon Richards Labourlist blog:Time to pay school support staff their due
