UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis went to Waverley school in Enfield, north London, last week to celebrate the work of the school support staff ahead of the union’s Stars in Our Schools celebration day this Friday.
Waverley is a school for children with disabilities. There are 115 pupils from age three to 19, with varying physical, sensory and behavioural needs. Many of the children have speech problems and rely on Makaton – a language using hand signs and symbols.
Because of this the school has a lot of support staff. They have teaching assistants, office staff, transport organisers, family support workers, art technicians, caretakers, translators, occupational therapists, catering staff and more. The school support staff outnumber teachers by four to one.
On Friday, everyone at Waverley will be celebrating those school support staff as part of UNISON’s annual Stars in Our Schools celebration day. The teachers have even written a song for the support staff.
Dave Prentis said, “I can think of no better place to have visited ahead of Stars in Our Schools.
“The infectious enthusiasm at Waverley has stuck with me in the days since, as has the love and care that the school support staff have for the children and young people in their care.”
Find out more about Stars in Our Schools.