Today should be a day of celebration. It’s the day UNISON and schools across the UK celebrate the work of support staff. Stars in our Schools is UNISON’s tribute to the often-underappreciated workers who keep schools going.
Sadly, today is also a time of reflection and worry, as UNISON releases a report that lays bare the devastating impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on school support staff, pupils and the wider education system.
The survey, of more than 6,000 teaching assistants, librarians, administrative staff, catering workers, cleaners and technicians, found that despite being squeezed financially themselves, staff are using their own money to help less fortunate pupils and their families.
