Hello everyone. My name is Janey Blacklock and I’m a cook in charge at St Mary’s Primary School in Jarrow, South Tyneside. To mark UNISON’ tenth year of Stars in Our Schools I have been taking over the Region’s social media channels to showcase school support staff. I was proud to speak at an event in parliament on Wednesday, where it was great to join the platform with MPs from the North East, Liz Twist and Bridget Philipson.
Stars in Our Schools is about celebrating the backbone of our schools: school support staff. Roles are as vast and diverse as their contributions: Teaching Assistants, Business Managers, Office Administrators, Site Supervisors, Caretakers, Cleaners, Cooks, Catering Staff, Supervisory Assistants, IT and Science Technicians, Hearing and Visually Impaired Support Services, and SEND Staff—to name just a few. Each one is indispensable.
As a school cook myself, I know firsthand how much responsibility many of these roles carry. From managing dietary requirements and allergens to leading a team in preparing healthy, balanced meals, the work is challenging and deeply rewarding. Yet, the gap between the value we bring and the pay we receive is striking. The same can be said for classroom-based staff, especially those in SEN settings, who manage complex medical needs catheterisation— all with care and expertise that often goes unnoticed in their paychecks. After over a decade of Conservative government neglect, it’s clear that school support staff are feeling the pressure of in-work poverty. Many school support staff are struggling to make ends meet.
That is why UNISON’s campaign to work with the Labour Government to improve school funding, and also to recognise the roles of school support staff by reintroducing the school support staff negotiating body is so important. This is a chance to ensure fair salaries, proper career progression, and hopefully to revisit term-time-only contracts —because our members deserve the security and respect of year-round employment, just like teaching staff.
UNISON’s creation of Stars in our Schools ten years ago has been all about creating a culture of celebration, appreciation, and empowerment. Through initiatives such as this, we are shining a light on the incredible skills, knowledge, and dedication of school support staff.
This is more than a campaign — it’s a movement to remind every staff member how vital they are to our schools and our communities.
Together, we can build a future where school support staff are no longer the unsung heroes but the celebrated champions they truly are.
Janey Blacklock