Press release for supporting non teaching staff in local schools

POLITICIANS PUT SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF IN SPOTLIGHT

In a major show of recognition politicians from across Wales will attend events in schools on Friday 27 November to praise the hard work of school support staff. So often the unsung heroes, Teaching Assistants, Midday Supervisors, Admin workers, Catering Staff and Cleaning staff, are part of the whole education team who make our schools the success they are. Welsh Government Ministers, Assembly Members and MPs have committed to supporting UNISON’s Stars in our Schools day of celebration include Mike Hedges AM who will be visiting Glyncollen and Ynystawe.

Mike said…. ‘I am Chair of Governors at both Glyncollen and Ynystawe schools and I know the incredibly valuable contribution to the schools by the non teaching staff. It is no exaggeration to say that schools could not provide the high quality education they do without the non teaching staff supporting the work of the teachers. I hope that parents, families of children at schools and the wider public will join in recognising these highly committed staff’

Assembly Ministers including Jane Hutt, Julie James, Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething will all visit schools in their constituencies and speak to support staff. So too, will MPs Jo Stevens, Kevin Brennan and Stephen Doughty.

UNISON, the largest trade union for school support staff in Wales, has organised the day to make sure the world knows just how vital these employees are to children’s education. On 27 November Schools right across Wales will be holding awards ceremonies, putting on special assemblies or holding a coffee morning to thank support staff for their commitment over the last year. At some schools as a gesture of appreciation, teachers will work to cover break times and tea and cake refreshments are being left at the end of the day especially for cleaning staff.

Jess Turner, UNISON Cymru Wales Lead Organiser for Schools said,

“UNISON has organised Stars in our Schools to shine a light on the wonderful work of support staff. We are very pleased so many politicians want to champion the positive role of the whole school support staff team in making schools safe and happy place for children to learn. UNISON is dedicated to campaigning for decent terms and conditions for all school support staff.”

ENDS