Government must come clean over scale of crumbly concrete in schools, says UNISON

Responding to the announcement today (Tuesday) that the number of confirmed cases of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in schools in England has increased to 174, UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “Many involved in education suspect ministers still aren’t revealing the true scale of this growing problem. “At-risk schools remain in the dark as they […]

Pupil funding still leaves schools worse off than 10 years ago

Government announcement on pupil funding still below pre-austerity levels in real terms

Lessons to be learned by government after limited schools’ reopening, says UNISON

Rushed government reopening plans have led to guidelines on ‘safe’ class sizes being ignored by ​some schools, according to a survey published by UNISON today (Friday). More than one in five (22%) ​support staff say primary schools have operated class sizes bigger than the 15 pupils per group maximum recommended to maintain social distancing. Nursery school ‘bubbles’ – where infants remain in small protected […]

Government should listen to the independent scientists and pull back from 1 June start date, says UNISON

Commenting on the report on school safety from the committee of independent scientists chaired by Sir David King published today (Friday), UNISON regional secretary, Clare Williams said: “This is the evidence school staff and parents have been waiting for. Not only do these scientists say the government’s plans for schools in England are premature, they also suggest […]

UNISON signs up to the valued worker scheme with Blyth Valley Academy

The scheme is a set of commitments to treat all employees fairly.

Unsung heroes of North East schools celebrated by UNISON

School support staff across the North East will be recognised today (Friday) as part of a UK-wide celebration of the invaluable contribution they make to children’s education. UNISON has organised the ‘Stars in Our Schools’ event to promote the wonderful work school support staff do every day and to make sure the world knows just how vital they are […]

Demonstration to Demand a Fully Funded Education System

A demonstration calling for proper funding for our schools is taking place tomorrow (Saturday 24th November) in Old Eldon Square, Newcastle from 11.00 am.  Our schools need more than little extras promised by Phillip Hammond in the recent budget and Education trade unions together with UNISON are coming together to demand a fully funded education […]

UNISON suspends today’s teaching assistants’ strike action

Strike action involving teaching assistants that was due to affect schools across County Durham today (Thursday) has been called off so talks aimed at solving the dispute can take place, says UNISON. The school support staff employed by Durham County Council had been about to take their fifth day of action today, and a further […]

Celebrating Stars in Our School

Stars in our Schools is all about the fantastic work the support staff does every day and make sure the public knows just how vital support staff are.

We’re so proud of our Durham teaching assistants

They came out in force to show Durham County Council that this isn’t going away, we are so proud of our teaching assistant members in Durham for their strength and resilience during this difficult dispute.