Today is Stars in our Schools day – when we celebrate the valuable contribution that unsung school support staff make to our schools and to our children’s education.
UNISON organised the day to celebrate the vital work they do every day – and has gathered the support of shadow education secretary Tristrim Hunt.
A joint appeal to the public from Mr Hunt and UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis is calling on everyong to “join us as we recognise and celebrate the crucial contribution of school support staff”.
“We know that it is the hard work and dedication of our support staff that creates the environment needed for learning,” they say.
“The academic attainment and the social and emotional development of our children relies on schools that are safe, supportive and aspirational environments.
“And that means the entire school workforce – support staff, teachers and school leaders – all playing their part.
“We know from our regular discussions with school support staff that it is the impact that they have on the academic attainment and the development of character and resilience in children and young people that motivates them to undertake the work you do with such passion, dedication and professionalism.
“And that is why we believe that the government’s decision to scrap the school staff negotiating body dealt a hammer blow to advancing the status and standing of school support staff.
“Teaching assistants, lunchtime assistants, caretakers, librarians and technicians deserve the right to a fair deal.
“We support the re-establishment of a school support staff negotiating body in the next Parliament. There are many issues for us to grapple with – not least workload, terms and conditions and remuneration: but to ensure a fair deal, support staff need a fair hearing.
“That hearing is not currently afforded by government ministers and we want to change that.
“There are hundreds of thousands of support staff across the country who deserve a fair deal. That is what we will campaign for as we approach the next general election.
“Please join us by showing your support today.”
Find out more about how you can support and celebrate school staff by visiting the dedicated Stars in our Schools website at www.starsinourschools.uk.
