Heads ‘fear losing TAs’


Headteachers are worried that low pay is forcing teaching assistants out of the classroom at a time when they are increasingly needed, according to a report from UNISON.


From Covid to the Cost of Living shows how Covid has fundamentally changed the role of TAs, the union says, with them filling gaps left by specialist staff during the pandemic and providing vital emotional support to students and parents.


UNISON head of education Mike Short explained: “Teaching assistants stepped-up during the pandemic and repeatedly proved their worth, as they were doing long before the crisis struck. 


“But chronic low pay is threatening to rob classrooms of dedicated, experienced staff, just when schools need them most.


“The report highlights the value headteachers place on teaching assistants, and the important role training plays in boosting skills, status and pay.”


https://drive.google.com/file/d/12t-kqKzmZVt9NXMvxniYRLIzuoHwCd-K/view