School support staff from across Wales will have the chance to speak directly with the Welsh Government’s Cabinet secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle (pictured above), at a unique UNISON seminar.
The event in Cardiff marks 10 years of UNISON’s Stars in our Schools campaign and will also feature a talk from Traitors star Andrew Jenkins.
The seminar will be held at the Radisson Blu hotel on Thursday 21 November from 9am to 4pm. Anyone looking to attend can register interest online here.
UNISON Cymru schools lead Rosie Lewis said teaching assistants from across Wales will be able to speak at the event with the Cabinet Secretary for Education about the reality of life in the classroom in 2024.
She said: “We’re really pleased to host the cabinet secretary for education, Lynne Neagle.
“Her presence is a real vote of confidence in the work of school support staff.
“Teaching assistants from across Wales will be taking the opportunity to talk to her about the reality of life in the classroom, how they love working with children, but why low pay, increased responsibilities and insecure work have created a recruitment crisis.
“Being a teaching assistant is very demanding and the well-being of the workforce is often not prioritised in schools. Access to training and opportunities for professional development are limited.
“We will be saying, investment in the whole school’s staff will pay dividends for the quality of children’s education.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said: “I’m delighted to be attending the annual UNISON event to mark the beginning of the Stars in our Schools celebrations.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of this fantastic event, which champions the role of support staff and the contribution they make to education in Wales.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated support staff who make a difference every day in schools across the country.
“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to talk to those working in the sector and hear directly from learning support assistants in a round table session.”
Traitors star Andrew Jenkins (pictured above) said: “I will be speaking on a variety of topics around mental wellbeing, people will leave feeling motivated and inspired.
“It is about my journey and how I turned adversity into something positive.
“I provide realistic tips that people can implement in their lives, to help build resilience and to lead an authentic life.”
