Images: Marcus Rose
On the evening of Wednesday 27 November, MPs and UNISON members came together at a parliamentary event to celebrate the the work of school support staff and the tenth anniversary of Stars in Our Schools (taking place on Friday 29 November).
UNISON started Stars in Our Schools ten years ago to create a culture of celebration, appreciation and empowerment for school support staff.
The event was hosted by chair of the UNISON group of MPs and member for Blaydown and Consett, Liz Twist.
Speakers included the secretary of state for education, Bridget Phillipson MP (pictured), UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards, and UNISON member Janey Blacklock, a school cook at St Mary’s Primary School.
UNISON is the largest union for school support staff and the event provided the opportunity for MPs to show their support for the campaign and hear from speakers on the importance of these key roles.
Secretary of state for education Bridget Phillipson MP said: “The work that support staff do is vital. Schools couldn’t operate without you, it really is that simple.
“This country owes our support staff an enormous debt of gratitude for all your hard work. And that hard work is crucial in ensuring that we give our children the very best start in life.
“It’s only fair that we as a government and as a society recognise the contribution of support staff, to acknowledge the professionalism of your workforce and give you the respect that you deserve. It’s why we are bringing back the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB), to make sure the voices of support staff are heard.
“What you do matters. It matters for the running of our schools. It matters for the lives of our children. It matters for the future of the country.”
UNISON member, Janey Blacklock (pictured above) said: “School support staff are dedicated individuals and the unsung heroes of our education system. Long before COVID and through every challenge since, they have quietly but powerfully kept our schools running.
“Their roles are as vast and diverse as their contributions.”
Janey also described how school support staff are feeling the pressure of in-work poverty. “It’s heartbreaking to know that in 2024 many colleagues are turning to food banks to make ends meet,” she said. “This is why UNISON is working with the Labour government to improve school funding and recognise the role of schools support staff through the SSSNB.”
You can read more about Janey and her role in a recent UNISON feature.
Schools could not function without support staff to help children learn, keep them safe, and make sure schools run smoothly. They are the admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, caterers, cleaners, librarians, technicians and more.
Whether it’s in the classroom, office, playground or the lunchroom, support staff are key in making schools a happy and safe place to learn and work.
