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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 21/09/2026

School support staff are being moved from vital roles to cover classes, often with no extra pay. Children and young people deserve better. Schools need proper investment and enough staff in every role. Read more: unison.org.uk/news/2026/09... Sign the petition: unsn.uk/we-show-up-petition

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Congratulations to everyone who has received their GCSE and BTEC results today. Everyone deserves the opportunity to excel in their passion and today marks an important next step for thousands of young people across the UK. A big thank you to all support staff who guide young people every day.

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

👏Congratulations to Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, the new Secretary of State for Education at the DfE. 🤝We look forward to working with Lucy and ensuring that the improvement of pay, terms and conditions for our school support staff members remains a priority for this new government.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

Lucy Powell MP @lucympowell.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Every child, wherever they live, should grow up with opportunity on their doorstep. It was a privilege to walk through the door as Education Secretary to start that work.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 07/07/2026

🚨 YOUR STRIKE BALLOT WILL BE POSTED OUT THIS WEEK Council and school workers: being worse off is not a pay rise. 🗳 Strike ballot opens 9 July Return your ballot as soon as it arrives and vote YES for strike action. The only way we win is if we all play our part unison.org.uk/LGpay

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 08/07/2026

UNISON is urging education secretary Bridget Phillipson to intervene after a teaching assistant was suspended following a successful strike ballot. Staff at Ash Field Academy have recently taken strike action in support. Union reps should be protected, not punished. unison.org.uk/press/2026/0...

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

SecEd @seced.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

#Careers guidance is under strain. Fewer staff & less time are leaving pupils unsupported. Rebecca Passingham – @unisoninschools.bsky.social – says a fully funded, high-quality system is vital to reduce #NEETs & help young people navigate work & training: buff.ly/U6afm3F #schools

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

SecEd @seced.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 01/07/2026

Equal pay is about assessing jobs properly and ensuring staff are fairly paid. It's not about the views of one out of touch ex-minister. Teaching assistants do vital work and it's a shame Claire Coutinho doesn't recognise this.

Post on X from Shadow equalities minister Claire Coutinho: Bin men waking up at 4am to do manual, smelly work in all weathers is simply not the same job as being a teaching assistant.

‘Equal value’ laws which demand they are paid the same are clearly wrong and unfair.... https://x.com/ClaireCoutinho/status/2071989606724317655?s=20

UNISON response: Equal pay is about assessing jobs properly and ensuring staff are fairly paid.

It's not about the views of one out of touch ex-minister.

Teaching assistants do vital work and it's a shame @clairecoutinho doesn't recognise this.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

SecEd @seced.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

🗣️WEBINAR: Climate change, intersectionality, and intergenerational justice 📅 14 July 2026, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM 🌱We are hosting a webinar discussing how climate change and inequality are connected, and how UNISON members can help build a fairer, more just future. 👉Register here: shorturl.at/vfu3Q

shorturl.at

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 26/06/2026

🌡️✊ It's too hot to work safely in many workplaces, but the UK still has no maximum legal working temperature. We're backing calls for change. Sign the petition ⬇️

unsn.uk

We need a maximum working temperature

A red weather warning has been issued for some parts of the country. We need the rules to keep us all safe at work. Please sign the petition for a maximum working temperature.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 22/06/2026

Being worse off is not a pay rise. Since 2010, local government pay has fallen by an average of 26% in real terms. This year’s offer falls far short of what you need and deserve. 📲 Check what it means for you: unisonpaycalculator.co.uk  Pledge to be part of the plan to win.

Mobile phone with NJC pay calculator: Council and school pay. This year's NJC pay offer for council and school workers is 3.3%. Let's calculate your new salary: Enter your current salary: 25584. Calculate

Mobile phone with NJC pay calculator: Council and school pay. Your new annual salary is £26,428.27. Over the last year, inflation has averaged 4.2%* Where does this leave your salary? Show me. *RPI, latest NJC Pay year (April 2025 - March 2026)

Mobile phone with NJC pay calculator: Council and school pay. This means your pay will be -£230.26 below the cost of living. Neing £230.26 worse off is not a pay rise. Calculation is based on a full-time salary, if you entered a part time salary, these amounts will be different.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 18/06/2026

🌍💚 On #CleanAirDay, broadcaster and environmental journalist Tom Heap reflects on why green activity matters and how climate change is already affecting our lives. Speaking at a Year of Green Activity fringe event at #uNDC26, he praised UNISON members for their commitment to climate action.

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

🌿Today is Clean Air Day 🌿 👀Why not take the opportunity to watch our webinars about clean air in schools? ✅Improving Air Quality in Schools: what can we do - youtube.com/playlist?lis... ✅Improving Air Quality in Schools: leaders making it happen - youtu.be/kczgMQ5Ds6M

youtube.com

Improving Air Quality in Schools: what can we do? - YouTube

UNISON has joined with the CORSI_ROSENTIAL Foundation UK and other UK trade unions with members in education to host this webinar on exploring the impact of ...

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 29/05/2026

Local government unions have rejected the 2026 pay offer and are demanding meaningful pay negotiations in a letter to employers signed by all three unions - UNISON, Unite and GMB. UNISON are balloting members for strike action from 9 July.

Letter to the Employers’ Side Secretary, Naomi Cooke, 28 May:
Dear Naomi

The NJC Trade Union Side are writing further in response to your letter of 24March 2026, making a full and final offer of a 3.3% pay increase from 1 April.

All three unions firmly reject this pay offer. Our members remain dismayed and angered at the offer, which fails to make up ground on the loss of the real value of their pay over the last 16 years, and is far below what they need and deserve.

We believe that the most recent financial settlement offers scope for a better offer.

Moreover, we wish to reiterate our disappointment at the National Employers’continual refusal to engage in meaningful pay negotiations.

Given our unions’ rejection of the offer, we urge you to engage in meaningful negotiations on the2026/27 pay award as a matter of urgency.

Yours sincerely,
Kevin Brandstatter GMB
Clare Keogh UNITE
Mike Short UNISON
Trade Union Side Secretaries

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

🤔Want to have a better understanding of autism? 🌱Grow your confidence working with autistic people? 👉Then sign up to our Autism Awareness for Schools Support Staff online workshop on June 08 - 09 💥Register here: learning.unison.org.uk/.../autism-a... 🏃‍♀️Places are limited, don't miss out!

learning.unison.org.uk

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

⚡️For anyone that was unable to attend, you can now watch our webinar on the impact of climate change on schools! 📽️ Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=buRI...

youtube.com

UNISON: The impact of climate change on schools

YouTube video by UNISON

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 20/05/2026

🌡️🔥 Being too hot at work risks staff health and productivity. UNISON says legal maximum workplace temperatures and investment to adapt to climate change are long overdue. Read more ⬇️ unsn.uk/4nBn4Va

Regulating workplace temperatures and adapting for climate change is long overdue, says UNISON.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 20/05/2026

UK climate warning prompts calls for maximum workplace temperatures | ITV News A maximum temperature for workplaces “is essential” says UNISON AGS Jon Richards "Any decent employer would want their staff to be at their best to do their job efficiently"

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

❓Did you know that by 2050 the avg number of days that temperatures in schools reach or exceed 35°C will increase by 70%? ❓Did you know that 1 in 4 schools will be at risk of flooding by 2040? Join our webinar today at 4pm on what we can do about it: shorturl.at/ALBdr

shorturl.at

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 06/05/2026

Message of support from UNISON general secretary @andreaegangs.bsky.social on behalf of Tom Barker, a teaching assistant and UNISON steward at Ash Field Academy.

FB post from Andrea Egan, UNISON general secretary: I stand in full support of Tom Barker who was wrongly suspended by Ash Field Academy in October 2025 following a successful industrial action ballot in opposition to cuts, which Tom played an instrumental role in securing. Tom and UNISON have repeatedly asked the Trust to provide details of the allegations against him and have yet to receive a satisfactory response. Tom is a dedicated teaching assistant at Ash Field Academy and has provided valuable support to vulnerable children for nearly 10 years. He is a committed UNISON member who has campaigned for fair pay and safe staffing at the school and is a member of the NEC. It is simply outrageous and totally unacceptable that the Discovery Schools Academy Trust which runs Ash Field feel they have the right to victimise workers who take strike action. I expect Tom to be allowed to return to work so he can continue supporting the students and colleagues at the school. If Tom is not reinstated we will have no hesitation in escalating this dispute. Solidarity to all workers taking strike action on 13th and 14th May in support of him.

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Academisation has led to variable transparency, weak local accountability and decision making processes that are often remote from parents, staff and communities. Unions have published a joint-statement on government plans for every state school to join an academy trust.

unison.org.uk

Trust plans will divert money from pupils and lead to more complicated system, say unions - UNISON National

UNISON is among seven education unions voicing concerns

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 29/04/2026

A full house in Leeds today as school support staff come together to share experiences and build skills. 👏 Kicking off with e-safety expert Karl Hopwood on online safety and the challenges for children and schools. #OnlineSafety #Schools #USchools26

School support staff at schools seminar in Leeds

Karl Hopwood, e-safety expert at schools seminar in Leeds

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 23/04/2026

🎓📊 Sutton Trust polling shows schools are cutting support for Send pupils as staff numbers fall. UNISON says education reforms will fail without properly funded support staff. Ministers must match ambition with resources. unsn.uk/491MXr2

Sutton Trust polling highlights importance of support staff to ministers’ education reforms, says UNISON

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 13/04/2026

Media debate on school meals often misses the bigger picture. Many schools have contracted-out their catering to private sector firms who profit from providing poor quality food, cutting staff pay and cutting the resources that school kitchens need.

School canteen with meals being served. ‘Cost‑cutting, private contracts and tight budgets leave school staff and kitchens overstretched’

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 09/04/2026

🚨 Get ready for the elections on 7 May ✍🏼 Register to vote by 20 April 📮 Apply for a postal vote by 20 April 🪪 Apply for Voter ID by 28 April - if you don't have a passport or driving licence (England only) 🔗 unsn.uk/4dvY3b5

Register to vote. Elections Thursday 7 May.
Scottish Parliament
Welsh Senedd,
English local government
London borough councils

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

If you missed our webinar on 11 March, 'Improving Air Quality in Schools: Leaders making it happen' you can watch the recording here: youtu.be/kczgMQ5Ds6M?...

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 25/03/2026

UNISON GS @andreaegangs.bsky.social joins hundreds of school support staff on picket lines as strike action began across 22 schools in East Midlands. Andrea heard first-hand about the impact of planned pay cuts and job losses and took a message of solidarity from our members - we stand with you! ✊💜

UNISON GS Andrea Egan talks to school support staff on the picket lines. Placard: Keep Schools Safe!

School support staff on the picket lines in East Midlands. Placard: A little less conversation a little more action and We have Trust issues!

UNISON GS Andrea Egan joins hundreds of school support staff on the picket lines.

UNISON GS Andrea Egan talks to school support staff on the picket lines.

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Happy #TECHOGNITION day! This one-day event celebrates the work of school and college technicians, showcasing their vast range of skills and the variety of tasks that these jobs entail. Show your support and get involved techognition.org/how-to-take-...

techognition.org

#TECHOGNITION - How to Take Part

Download and print the event poster and upload your photos to this site and social media on Friday 13th March 2026.

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

LAST CHANCE to enter your school food or food education hero for a Jamie Oliver award! The #GoodSchoolFoodAwards nominations close midnight, March 12th. Know someone that deserves to be celebrated? >>> www.jamieoliver.com/schoolfoodawards/apply 🥇🏆💛

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Clean Air in Schools: Leaders Making it Happen 11 March, 4pm Join our webinar, held in partnership with education unions and @crfoundationus.bsky.social, to explore the experiences of schools on their journey to improve indoor air for students and staff. Register now: bit.ly/unisonair

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 09/03/2026

💜 UNISON’s Step into Spring grant opens at 12 noon on Thursday 19 March 2026 and is available for 24 hours. Eligible members can get a £30 voucher towards the cost of essentials. Find out how to apply ⬇️ unsn.uk/stepintospring

UNISON Step Into Spring grant. Get help with the cost of new shoes. There for you.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

Hannah Harris @tadigest.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

There is a ‘big strategic gap in the White Paper’ around TAs’ roles, Rob Webster warns Read: www.twinkl.co.uk/l/lrypu

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 07/03/2026

UNISON statement on NEU vote to withdraw from school support staff agreement.

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Reports this week about the social media trend promoting ‘school wars’ may cause UNISON members concern for the welfare of pupils and their own safety. Any incidents or threats of violence should be reported to prevent escalation. UNISON resources at www.unison.org.uk/about-2/scho...

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

SecEd @seced.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

What’s missing from SEND reform? A clear, national strategy for #teaching assistants. Without defined roles, training, funding & boundaries with health, #inclusion risks becoming unsustainable, says Joanna Parry – @unisoninschools.bsky.social – writing in SecEd: buff.ly/Tg5Z6Qd #schools #edusky

buff.ly

White Paper: What will be the role of teaching assistants? - SecEd

SEND reform needs clarity on the role, training and deployment of teaching assistants to ensure sustainable inclusion.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

Hannah Harris @tadigest.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

UNISON tells the DfE to ‘articulate more clearly what role teaching assistants are expected to play’ in SEND reforms @unisoninschools.bsky.social Read: www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1i9lp5

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 05/03/2026

Support staff in UNISON are stronger together 💜 Thousands of support staff are uniting to build a stronger UNISON in their school - learn more at unsn.uk/3Ov5Yeh

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Happy #worldbookday. School libraries offer far more than a repository for books. They are community hubs where school librarians guide students through their unique reading journey, develop key critical thinking/research skills, and offer tailored support to students with SEND.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 02/03/2026

“It was the lower-paid schools support staff that were keeping schools open.” One teaching assistant described the lack of proper infection control as ’terrifying’ Mike Short, head of local government giving evidence to the Covid-19 inquiry. @unisoninschools.bsky.social

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

Hannah Harris @tadigest.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

@unisoninschools.bsky.social launches TA survey: ‘We need strong evidence’ for SSSNB Read: www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1cd24d

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

SecEd @seced.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

buff.ly

White Paper: What will be the role of teaching assistants? - SecEd

SEND reform needs clarity on the role, training and deployment of teaching assistants to ensure sustainable inclusion.

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

Hannah Harris @tadigest.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

SEND reforms ‘fall short’ if teaching assistants are sidelined, Westminster Forum told by @georginadurrant.bsky.social Read: www.twinkl.co.uk/l/i82od

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Clean Air in Schools: Leaders Making it Happen 11 March, 4pm Join our webinar, held in partnership with education unions and @crfoundationus.bsky.social , to explore the experiences of schools on their journey to improve indoor air for students and staff. Register now: bit.ly/unisonair

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UNISON in Schools @unisoninschools.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

The #GoodSchoolFoodAwards nominations are OPEN until March 12! Time to shine a light on the incredible people transforming school food. Nominate your hero (or school) for a @jamieoliver award here: www.jamieoliver.com/schoolfoodawards/apply/

jamieoliver.com

Apply or Nominate - Jamie Oliver’s Good School Food Awards

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 26/02/2026

With over 250,000 school support staff members UNISON is the largest union negotiating pay, terms & conditions - by joining UNISON, getting involved, and standing with your colleagues, you can help build a future where school support staff are valued, respected and fairly rewarded 💜 unsn.uk/3Ov5Yeh

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 25/02/2026

Great day with members at the UNISON North West Schools Seminar 💜 We discussed the new School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) and national minimum standards for school support staff, with @andreaegangs.bsky.social We left inspired to establish even more school champions across our regions!

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Reposted by UNISON in Schools

UNISON @unison.org.uk · 24/02/2026

We expect a pay offer for school staff covered by the NJC next month and every UNISON member affected will get a vote on it. Keep an eye on our campaign web page for all the latest news: unsn.uk/4u01vAD So make sure you're a UNISON member to have your say on your pay!

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