Schools up and down the UK celebrated school support staff last Friday – the people who are vital to children’s education but who often stay in the background.
They’re the ones who open the school, provide the meals, support the teachers, do the admin, organise the finances, run the IT, set up the science equipment, liaise with families, manage the library, and so much more.
But last Friday they were put centre stage and celebrated by pupils, teachers, headteachers, governors, parents and UNISON members.
UNISON has been running the Stars in Our Schools celebration day for three years now, and we’re pretty sure this was the biggest year yet. We even trended on Twitter!
Check out the tweets below to see what some people did to make the Stars feel valued.
Jon Richards, UNISON head of education said: “I’m bowled over by how much effort people went to to celebrate Stars in Our Schools day this year, it was fantastic.
“Though if anyone didn’t take part, it’s not too late! You can always organise your own celebration of school support staff this week or at a later date.”
Visit the Stars in Our Schools website to find out more or check out the #StarsInOurSchools hashtag on Twitter!
Some made cakes and gave out certificates…
Heres more of our nominees for #StarsInOurSchools this year @unisontweets @UNISONinSchools pic.twitter.com/R24CoVano9
— UNISON Derby City (@Unisonderbycity) November 25, 2016
Some handed out prizes…
Here is the lovely Pam, another fabulous winner of the @wolvesunison Nominate a Star competition. #starsinourschools pic.twitter.com/3IdmnvAgH3
— Laura House (@LH_UWM) November 25, 2016
Others gave out bunches of flowers and took photos with a big sign…
Our TAs are amazing and @Bill_Esterson and @Seftonunison think so too. They joined us in thanking this special team #StarsInOurSchools pic.twitter.com/URwqxTZf9o
— St Nicholas (@StNicholasSch) November 25, 2016
Some people just cheered a lot…
They are a very enthusiastic bunch at Dryden School in Gateshead! Thank you for being amazing #StarsinOurSchools @UNISONinSchools pic.twitter.com/Kis2D0othm
— Northern UNISON (@NorthernUNISON) November 25, 2016