Category: stars in our schools

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.

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials, says UNISON 

School support staff are using their own money to help pay for pupils’ food and clothing, even though many are struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis themselves, says UNISON today (Friday).

A ?UK-wide survey of more than 13,000 school workers reveals that staff – including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners – are buying food, clothes and stationery for their hard-up pupils.

The findings have been released to coincide with Stars in our Schools, UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff, which is being marked in schools across the UK today.

The report paints a picture of these workers going above and beyond to assist pupils from deprived backgrounds, despite having their own financial worries.  Over a third (36%) had helped with food or packed lunches, 34% with uniform and one in five (22%) with books and stationery.

However, almost all the school employees (96%) surveyed say they fear their pay isn’t enough to cover their own spiralling bills and other household costs.

One in seven workers (14%) have used food banks in the past year, and more than two-fifths (45%) say they’ve had to borrow money to stay afloat financially.

Top of their concerns is being able to pay for heating and eating. Nine in 10 (89%) support staff said they were anxious they wouldn’t have enough money to pay their energy bills, with a similar percentage (90%) worried about food costs.

To try and save cash, one in five (20%) said they were only heating one room, while almost two-thirds (65%) were simply not using their heating at all.

The survey found that financial pressures are forcing lots of employees to take on extra work, with many considering quitting education for better-paid jobs elsewhere.

More than a quarter (26%) had taken a second or third job and more than two-fifths (46%) are looking for more lucrative roles. Those wanting to get out of the school sector said they are eyeing up jobs in administration, hospitality and retail.

UNISON is warning that an exodus of support staff would put even more pressure on the colleagues left behind. The survey found that over half (52%) of staff already do unpaid overtime every week.

The report lays bare the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pupils and their families, says UNISON. As well as more children showing signs of neglect and turning up to school hungry, staff also reported an increase in the number of parents needing financial and emotional support.

UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “Even though school staff are not well-off themselves, they’re still doing what they can for their pupils. Their generosity and dedication are to be applauded, but it is truly shocking that employees struggling to make ends meet are having to bail out less fortunate families.

“This can’t continue. The report identifies thousands of staff who are being attracted to jobs in retail and hospitality, with less responsibility and better pay.

“But support staff are vital to the smooth running of schools and the experiences of pupils. Their pay should better reflect the invaluable support they provide.”

Note to editors:
– The report is available here.
– Stars in Our Schools is UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff. They are the caterers, administrative staff, finance officers, teaching assistants and cleaners who help children learn, keep them safe and make sure schools run smoothly. Schools across the UK are hosting a range of activities today including coffee mornings and special assemblies to say thank you to their support
staff.
– UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea will be joining staff and pupils at Newark Orchard School in Nottinghamshire for their presentation assembly at 2pm. She will meet support staff including local Stars in our Schools nominees.
– 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 Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials, says UNISON 

School support staff are using their own money to help pay for pupils’ food and clothing, even though many are struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis themselves, says UNISON today (Friday).

A ?UK-wide survey of more than 13,000 school workers reveals that staff – including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners – are buying food, clothes and stationery for their hard-up pupils.

The findings have been released to coincide with Stars in our Schools, UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff, which is being marked in schools across the UK today.

The report paints a picture of these workers going above and beyond to assist pupils from deprived backgrounds, despite having their own financial worries.  Over a third (36%) had helped with food or packed lunches, 34% with uniform and one in five (22%) with books and stationery.

However, almost all the school employees (96%) surveyed say they fear their pay isn’t enough to cover their own spiralling bills and other household costs.

One in seven workers (14%) have used food banks in the past year, and more than two-fifths (45%) say they’ve had to borrow money to stay afloat financially.

Top of their concerns is being able to pay for heating and eating. Nine in 10 (89%) support staff said they were anxious they wouldn’t have enough money to pay their energy bills, with a similar percentage (90%) worried about food costs.

To try and save cash, one in five (20%) said they were only heating one room, while almost two-thirds (65%) were simply not using their heating at all.

The survey found that financial pressures are forcing lots of employees to take on extra work, with many considering quitting education for better-paid jobs elsewhere.

More than a quarter (26%) had taken a second or third job and more than two-fifths (46%) are looking for more lucrative roles. Those wanting to get out of the school sector said they are eyeing up jobs in administration, hospitality and retail.

UNISON is warning that an exodus of support staff would put even more pressure on the colleagues left behind. The survey found that over half (52%) of staff already do unpaid overtime every week.

The report lays bare the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pupils and their families, says UNISON. As well as more children showing signs of neglect and turning up to school hungry, staff also reported an increase in the number of parents needing financial and emotional support.

UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “Even though school staff are not well-off themselves, they’re still doing what they can for their pupils. Their generosity and dedication are to be applauded, but it is truly shocking that employees struggling to make ends meet are having to bail out less fortunate families.

“This can’t continue. The report identifies thousands of staff who are being attracted to jobs in retail and hospitality, with less responsibility and better pay.

“But support staff are vital to the smooth running of schools and the experiences of pupils. Their pay should better reflect the invaluable support they provide.”

Note to editors:
– The report is available here.
– Stars in Our Schools is UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff. They are the caterers, administrative staff, finance officers, teaching assistants and cleaners who help children learn, keep them safe and make sure schools run smoothly. Schools across the UK are hosting a range of activities today including coffee mornings and special assemblies to say thank you to their support
staff.
– UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea will be joining staff and pupils at Newark Orchard School in Nottinghamshire for their presentation assembly at 2pm. She will meet support staff including local Stars in our Schools nominees.
– 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 Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Stars in Our Schools goes to Parliament

On Tuesday 21 November, MPs from across the political spectrum joined UNISON at a parliamentary event celebrating the work of school support staff.

The event was hosted in the run-up to the union’s annual celebration day, Stars in Our Schools, on Friday 24 November.

Stars in Our Schools highlights the vital role of support staff in helping children learn, keeping them safe and happy, and ensuring schools run smoothly. These are roles including caterers, cleaners, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians and technicians.

The drop-in event, hosted by Kim Johnson MP, gave politicians the opportunity to show their support for schools staff and hear about the problems they face.

UNISON members Sue Ryles (pictured above, left) and Claire Stanhope (pictured above, right) shared their experiences with MPs including John McDonnell (centre) and Paula Barker (pictured below). Sue is a teaching assistant in Great Yarmouth and Claire is a nursery nurse and schools convenor in Oxfordshire.

Paula Barker MP holding a 'Stars in Our Schools' sign

Claire said: “It was great to speak not only to my own MP, but to MPs from across the UK. We talked about the crisis with SEND schools, that there is a lack of places for the children that has a knock-on effect on SEND children being in mainstream school where, although the support staff do a wonderful job, they haven’t had adequate training.

“Mental health problems are on the rise in schools but the training for staff to help the children isn’t adequate. The schools budgets have been cut and it’s normally the support staff that are the ones that the schools cut first.

“I was happy to hear from some MPs that they would fight for more funding for school and support staff, and adequate training for staff to be able to support SEND children and children struggling with their mental health”

UNISON national officer Joanna Parry said: “Stars in Our Schools is about recognising and celebrating the huge contribution support staff make in schools and it was great that MPs were able to join us to mark the occasion.

“More importantly, it gave an opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand about the urgent issues that need addressing in schools. It is crucial that schools – and those who work in them – have the investment they desperately need”

Find out more about Stars In Our Schools

The article Stars in Our Schools goes to Parliament first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Stars in Our Schools goes to Parliament

On Tuesday 21 November, MPs from across the political spectrum joined UNISON at a parliamentary event celebrating the work of school support staff.

The event was hosted in the run-up to the union’s annual celebration day, Stars in Our Schools, on Friday 24 November.

Stars in Our Schools highlights the vital role of support staff in helping children learn, keeping them safe and happy, and ensuring schools run smoothly. These are roles including caterers, cleaners, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians and technicians.

The drop-in event, hosted by Kim Johnson MP, gave politicians the opportunity to show their support for schools staff and hear about the problems they face.

UNISON members Sue Ryles (pictured above, left) and Claire Stanhope (pictured above, right) shared their experiences with MPs including John McDonnell (centre) and Paula Barker (pictured below). Sue is a teaching assistant in Great Yarmouth and Claire is a nursery nurse and schools convenor in Oxfordshire.

Paula Barker MP holding a 'Stars in Our Schools' sign

Claire said: “It was great to speak not only to my own MP, but to MPs from across the UK. We talked about the crisis with SEND schools, that there is a lack of places for the children that has a knock-on effect on SEND children being in mainstream school where, although the support staff do a wonderful job, they haven’t had adequate training.

“Mental health problems are on the rise in schools but the training for staff to help the children isn’t adequate. The schools budgets have been cut and it’s normally the support staff that are the ones that the schools cut first.

“I was happy to hear from some MPs that they would fight for more funding for school and support staff, and adequate training for staff to be able to support SEND children and children struggling with their mental health”

UNISON national officer Joanna Parry said: “Stars in Our Schools is about recognising and celebrating the huge contribution support staff make in schools and it was great that MPs were able to join us to mark the occasion.

“More importantly, it gave an opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand about the urgent issues that need addressing in schools. It is crucial that schools – and those who work in them – have the investment they desperately need”

Find out more about Stars In Our Schools

The article Stars in Our Schools goes to Parliament first appeared on the UNISON National site.