During my schooldays, a single teacher typically led each classroom. Now, when I visit educational establishments, I observe a collaborative method where instructors receive valuable assistance from support personnel.
These professionals fulfil an essential function in backing up teaching and learning across our educational institutions.
I have been extremely impressed by the dedication our support workers demonstrate in our schools – they truly are the foundation that maintains our educational establishments.
Many assist youngsters and young individuals presenting highly intricate requirements and disabilities. Their contribution proves absolutely essential in guaranteeing all pupils can engage with their schooling.
As the Torfaen representative in the Senedd, one occasion I particularly look forward to is the final Friday each November, when the remarkable contributions school employees make to children and young people’s education frequently receive acknowledgment through Unison’s Stars in Our Schools initiative.
This represents a particular occasion to honour the dedication of our classroom support workers, administrative teams, facilities managers and midday supervisors through ceremonies, refreshment gatherings and meals.
Learners recount experiences or produce artwork depicting how support workers have assisted them.
Whenever I have participated in such a ceremony, sharing the narratives of those who maintain our schools operation, support our children and enable inclusive education, particularly for our most susceptible students, has proven deeply rewarding.
Yet recognition alone is insufficient – we must additionally guarantee they receive equitable remuneration, employment terms and access to excellent professional development.
In June, fulfilling my position as Cabinet Secretary for Education, I revealed the Welsh Government would introduce legislation for a fresh School Support Staff Negotiating body, with preparatory activities underway to establish this during the subsequent Senedd session.
On March 18, the Welsh Government revealed a fresh Strategic Education Workforce strategy for Welsh schools. This framework aims to address recruitment and retention difficulties alongside pressures affecting our school workforce. The wellbeing of staff sits at its centre.
I was pleased that on the identical date, the Welsh Government confirmed several thousand teaching assistants would receive increased pay from September.
Every Level One teaching assistant who wishes to progress will advance to Level Two, and upcoming teaching assistant positions will similarly be filled at a minimum of Level Two.
The Welsh Government is allocating supplementary funding to local authorities to implement this adjustment, ensuring schools do not need to locate resources within existing budgets.
This translates to a salary increase of as much as £1,350 for approximately 3,350 teaching assistants across Wales. This marks the initial phase in ensuring we not only celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of our support workers but also provide them with employment conditions and compensation that reflect their importance.