Category: education

School budgets need protecting, says UNISON in response to IFS funding report

Commenting on a report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies released today (Wednesday) that warns of tight budgets for schools in England, UNISON head of education Mike Short said:

“Ministers inherited a financial mess from the previous government and turning things round in education won’t be easy.

“Over more than a decade, school buildings were allowed to slide into disrepair, support for disadvantaged pupils was slashed and staff pay was held down, which resulted in many leaving education.

“Reducing class sizes, delivering support for pupils with special needs and providing the education all children and young people deserve must be a priority for the government.

“None of this can be achieved without proper funding.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

 

The article School budgets need protecting, says UNISON in response to IFS funding report first appeared on the UNISON National site.

School budgets need protecting, says UNISON in response to IFS funding report

Commenting on a report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies released today (Wednesday) that warns of tight budgets for schools in England, UNISON head of education Mike Short said:

“Ministers inherited a financial mess from the previous government and turning things round in education won’t be easy.

“Over more than a decade, school buildings were allowed to slide into disrepair, support for disadvantaged pupils was slashed and staff pay was held down, which resulted in many leaving education.

“Reducing class sizes, delivering support for pupils with special needs and providing the education all children and young people deserve must be a priority for the government.

“None of this can be achieved without proper funding.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

 

The article School budgets need protecting, says UNISON in response to IFS funding report first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Verbal abuse and violence are daily issues for one in three school staff, says UNISON 

More than one in three (35%) school support staff witness verbal abuse at work every day, according to a survey released today (Friday) by UNISON.

The report comes as official figures show the number of school suspensions has almost doubled since before the pandemic and the number of pupils permanently excluded has risen by nearly a third*.

A third (34%) of school support workers say they see pushing on a daily basis and a quarter (26%) report kicking and the throwing of objects as day-to-day issues.

Almost two-thirds (64%) of school support staff say they have witnessed violence at work in the past year.

The ?UK-wide survey of almost 8,000 school workers – including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners – paints a bleak picture of an underappreciated workforce facing daily abuse, yet still doing unpaid overtime and struggling to pay their bills.

Top of their concerns is the cost of heating and eating. More than seven in 10 (78%) say they are worried they won’t have enough money to pay their energy bills, with a similar percentage (79%) concerned about food costs.

Two-thirds (67%) say they put in extra unpaid hours every week, but almost three in five (59%) say they don’t feel their school leaders value them. More than four in 10 (46%) say they are looking for another job.

The findings show staff are seeing workloads rise, but support dwindle. Four-fifths (80%) say their workload has increased over the past year and three in five (60%) say the number of support staff at their school has fallen in the last 12 months.

Staff speak of being regularly expected to perform additional duties, listing behaviour management, one-to-one support and looking after children with complex needs as the most common.

UNISON says extra support for pupils is essential to tackle the violence and abuse suffered by staff and to stop them from leaving the profession.

UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “Nobody should face abuse or witness violence at work. Sadly, for a staggering number of school support staff that is their daily reality.

“Tackling bad behaviour in school requires funding and extra staff, but this survey shows the opposite has happened in recent years.

“The generosity and dedication of school support staff are to be applauded. But it is truly shocking that many are putting in extra unpaid hours and struggling to make ends meet. This can’t continue.

“The report identifies thousands of staff who are considering quitting the profession. But support staff are vital to the smooth running of schools and the experiences of pupils. Their pay and working environment should better reflect the invaluable help they provide.

“The government’s decision to reinstate the school support staff negotiating body will finally mean recognition for the vital contribution made by teaching assistants, school meals workers and technicians. Importantly it should lead to improved pay and conditions, backed up by increased funding for schools.”

Note to editors:
– The report is available here.
–  The findings have been released to coincide with Stars in our Schools, UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff, which is celebrating its tenth year and is being marked in schools across the UK today.
– *According to figures from the Department for Education, in the autumn term of 2023, 346,000 pupils were suspended compared with 174,000 before the pandemic in autumn 2019. Over the same period, the number of children permanently excluded rose from 3,167 in 2019 to 4,168.
– UNISON carried out the survey of 7,811 school support staff members between 10 and 25 October 2024.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07908 672893 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

 

The article Verbal abuse and violence are daily issues for one in three school staff, says UNISON  first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Verbal abuse and violence are daily issues for one in three school staff, says UNISON 

More than one in three (35%) school support staff witness verbal abuse at work every day, according to a survey released today (Friday) by UNISON.

The report comes as official figures show the number of school suspensions has almost doubled since before the pandemic and the number of pupils permanently excluded has risen by nearly a third*.

One in three (34%) school support workers say they see pushing on a daily basis and a quarter (26%) report kicking and the throwing of objects as day-to-day issues.

Almost two-thirds (64%) of school support staff say they have witnessed violence at work in the past year.

The ?UK-wide survey of almost 8,000 school workers – including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners – paints a bleak picture of an underappreciated workforce facing daily abuse, yet still doing unpaid overtime and struggling to pay their bills.

Top of their concerns is the cost of heating and eating. More than seven in 10 (78%) say they are worried they won’t have enough money to pay their energy bills, with a similar proportion (79%) concerned about food costs.

Two-thirds (67%) say they put in extra unpaid hours every week, but almost three in five (59%) say they don’t feel their school leaders value them. More than four in 10 (46%) say they are looking for another job.

The findings show staff are seeing workloads rise, but support dwindle. Four-fifths (80%) say their workload has increased over the past year and three in five (60%) say the number of support staff at their school has fallen in the past 12 months.

Staff speak of being regularly expected to perform additional duties, listing behaviour management, one-to-one support and looking after children with complex needs as the most common.

UNISON says extra support for pupils is essential to tackle the violence and abuse suffered by staff and to stop them from leaving the profession.

UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “Nobody should face abuse or witness violence at work. Sadly, for a staggering number of school support staff that is their daily reality.

“Tackling bad behaviour in school requires funding and extra staff, but this survey shows the opposite has happened in recent years.

“The generosity and dedication of school support staff are to be applauded. But it is truly shocking that many are putting in extra unpaid hours and struggling to make ends meet. This can’t continue.

“The report identifies thousands of staff who are considering quitting the profession. But support staff are vital to the smooth running of schools and the experiences of pupils. Their pay and working environment should better reflect the invaluable help they provide.

“The government’s decision to reinstate the school support staff negotiating body will finally mean recognition for the vital contribution made by teaching assistants, caterers and technicians. Importantly it should lead to improved pay and conditions, backed up by increased funding for schools.”

Note to editors:
– The report is available here.
–  The findings have been released to coincide with Stars in our Schools, UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff, which is celebrating its tenth year and is being marked in schools across the UK today.
– *According to figures from the Department for Education, in the autumn term of 2023, 346,000 pupils were suspended compared with 174,000 before the pandemic in autumn 2019. Over the same period, the number of children permanently excluded rose from 3,167 in 2019 to 4,168.
– UNISON carried out the survey of 7,811 school support staff members between 10 and 25 October 2024.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07908 672893 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

 

The article Verbal abuse and violence are daily issues for one in three school staff, says UNISON  first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Stars in Our Schools celebrates 10 years at Westminster

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.

More about Stars in Our Schools

The article Stars in Our Schools celebrates 10 years at Westminster first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Stars in Our Schools celebrates 10 years at Westminster

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.

More about Stars in Our Schools

The article Stars in Our Schools celebrates 10 years at Westminster first appeared on the UNISON National site.

It’s almost here – a decade of Stars

On Friday 29 November, join people across the UK celebrating the vital Stars in Our Schools – support staff.

For 10 years now, UNISON has held a celebration day each year to raise the profile of the vital role that school support staff play. Support staff are caterers, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians, ICT technicians and more.

You can read more about the fundamental role they play in schools here:

Without support staff, there’d be no school

But don’t just take our word for it listen to famous faces Ben Miller, and Iwan Thomas’s messages of support ahead of this year’s celebration.

Ben Miller

Iwan Thomas

Support our Stars

From supportive stars to supporting our Stars, there are loads of ways for you to get involved this year. In particular, if you work in a school, visit the page below to find out how to get involved on the day.

Stars – how to get involved

But everyone can get involved, no matter where they work. Make use of the tenth anniversary resources or see what’s happening and add your voice on socials with #starsinourschools 

Our full range of resources

Nominate your brightest Stars

As well as being a celebration of all support staff in schools, Stars in Our Schools marks an opportunity to highlight your brightest stars. That special member of support staff who you know. The one who goes above and beyond to make your – our your children’s school such a special place.

Nominate them by 29 November. You’ll be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a shopping gift card – £25 for the nominator and an increased prize of £100 for the winning star.

Nominate your Star

Furthermore this year, as part of the 10-year anniversary, during the week itself (25-29 November), UNISON members will be able to take part in a competition to win a three-night stay at the Croyde Bay. Further details will be announced in due course.

Early Years Stars

And don’t forget, Stars aren’t just in our schools, but in our early years settings as well. Find out more about Early Years Stars and how we’re celebrating them here:

Early Years Stars

So, this Friday 29 November, show your support for 10 years of our and Schools Stars – whether you do something in your schools, early years settings, your workplaces or on socials – get involved!

The article It’s almost here – a decade of Stars first appeared on the UNISON National site.

It’s almost here – a decade of Stars

On Friday 29 November, join people across the UK celebrating the vital Stars in Our Schools – support staff.

For 10 years now, UNISON has held a celebration day each year to raise the profile of the vital role that school support staff play. Support staff are caterers, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians, ICT technicians and more.

You can read more about the fundamental role they play in schools here:

Without support staff, there’d be no school

But don’t just take our word for it listen to famous faces Ben Miller, and Iwan Thomas’s messages of support ahead of this year’s celebration.

Ben Miller

Iwan Thomas

Support our Stars

From supportive stars to supporting our Stars, there are loads of ways for you to get involved this year. In particular, if you work in a school, visit the page below to find out how to get involved on the day.

Stars – how to get involved

But everyone can get involved, no matter where they work. Make use of the tenth anniversary resources or see what’s happening and add your voice on socials with #starsinourschools 

Our full range of resources

Nominate your brightest Stars

As well as being a celebration of all support staff in schools, Stars in Our Schools marks an opportunity to highlight your brightest stars. That special member of support staff who you know. The one who goes above and beyond to make your – our your children’s school such a special place.

Nominate them by 29 November. You’ll be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a shopping gift card – £25 for the nominator and an increased prize of £100 for the winning star.

Nominate your Star

Furthermore this year, as part of the 10-year anniversary, during the week itself (25-29 November), UNISON members will be able to take part in a competition to win a three-night stay at the Croyde Bay. Further details will be announced in due course.

Early Years Stars

And don’t forget, Stars aren’t just in our schools, but in our early years settings as well. Find out more about Early Years Stars and how we’re celebrating them here:

Early Years Stars

So, this Friday 29 November, show your support for 10 years of Stars – whether you do something in your schools, early years settings, your workplaces or on socials – get involved!

The article It’s almost here – a decade of Stars first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Former Ofsted inspector wins unfair dismissal case after being sacked for brushing water off a child’s head

A former Ofsted inspector was unfairly dismissed when bosses sacked him for brushing water off a child’s head, the Court of Appeal has found.

Andrew Hewston was sacked for gross misconduct following the incident in October 2019. UNISON, who represented Andrew, said Ofsted was wrong to waste public funds pursuing its former inspector through the courts.

Andrew Hewston should now receive compensation for his sacking, having won yesterday (17 October) and in the courts last year. In August 2023, the employment appeal tribunal overturned an original employment tribunal judgment and ruled Ofsted had been wrong to dismiss him.

However, Ofsted decided to try and overturn that decision and took the case to the Court of Appeal. Rejecting Ofsted’s appeal, the judges said they were keen to give their decision on the long-running case immediately. UNISON is hopeful that Andrew’s five-year ordeal is finally drawing to a close.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Andrew Hewston’s career was unnecessarily cut short by Ofsted. He never should have been sacked and Ofsted shouldn’t have wasted public money pursuing him through the courts.

“The speed at which the judges rejected Ofsted’s appeal reflects how wrong it was to continue going after Andrew. Hopefully his long ordeal is now finally drawing to a close.

“This case shows once again the value of being in a union.”

Andrew Hewston said: “I have spent the past five years dealing with the fallout of Ofsted’s decision. It has been a very difficult time, but I am glad my name has been cleared and my exemplary record remains intact.”

Notes to editors:
– Timeline of Ofsted vs Andrew Hewston
October 2019:
Ofsted inspector Andrew Hewston brushes water off a child’s head during a school inspection.
November 2019:
Following a complaint from the school, Andrew is hauled before a disciplinary panel.
December 2019:
Andrew is sacked by Ofsted for gross misconduct.
November 2021:An employment tribunal dismisses Andrew’s claim for unfair dismissal.
August 2023:
The employment appeal tribunal upholds Andrew’s appeal.
17 October 2024:
Ofsted appeal that decision, but the Court of Appeal rejects the appeal and gives a decision on the day.
– The judges were keen to give their decision on the day. The reasons for their judgment will come later.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

 

The article Former Ofsted inspector wins unfair dismissal case after being sacked for brushing water off a child’s head first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Former Ofsted inspector wins unfair dismissal case after being sacked for brushing water off a child’s head

A former Ofsted inspector was unfairly dismissed when bosses sacked him for brushing water off a child’s head, the Court of Appeal has found.

Andrew Hewston was sacked for gross misconduct following the incident in October 2019. UNISON, who represented Andrew, said Ofsted was wrong to waste public funds pursuing its former inspector through the courts.

Andrew Hewston should now receive compensation for his sacking, having won yesterday (17 October) and in the courts last year. In August 2023, the employment appeal tribunal overturned an original employment tribunal judgment and ruled Ofsted had been wrong to dismiss him.

However, Ofsted decided to try and overturn that decision and took the case to the Court of Appeal. Rejecting Ofsted’s appeal, the judges said they were keen to give their decision on the long-running case immediately. UNISON is hopeful that Andrew’s five-year ordeal is finally drawing to a close.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Andrew Hewston’s career was unnecessarily cut short by Ofsted. He never should have been sacked and Ofsted shouldn’t have wasted public money pursuing him through the courts.

“The speed at which the judges rejected Ofsted’s appeal reflects how wrong it was to continue going after Andrew. Hopefully his long ordeal is now finally drawing to a close.

“This case shows once again the value of being in a union.”

Andrew Hewston said: “I have spent the past five years dealing with the fallout of Ofsted’s decision. It has been a very difficult time, but I am glad my name has been cleared and my exemplary record remains intact.”

Notes to editors:
– Timeline of Ofsted vs Andrew Hewston
October 2019:
Ofsted inspector Andrew Hewston brushes water off a child’s head during a school inspection.
November 2019:
Following a complaint from the school, Andrew is hauled before a disciplinary panel.
December 2019:
Andrew is sacked by Ofsted for gross misconduct.
November 2021:An employment tribunal dismisses Andrew’s claim for unfair dismissal.
August 2023:
The employment appeal tribunal upholds Andrew’s appeal.
17 October 2024:
Ofsted appeal that decision, but the Court of Appeal rejects the appeal and gives a decision on the day.
– The judges were keen to give their decision on the day. The reasons for their judgment will come later.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

 

The article Former Ofsted inspector wins unfair dismissal case after being sacked for brushing water off a child’s head first appeared on the UNISON National site.