The SSSNB will be made up of representatives of employers, unions and an independent chairperson and will be tasked with making sure support staff are paid fairly and have access to training and career progression opportunities. To ensure all school staff have access to fair pay and conditions the SSSNB will apply to support staff in both local authority maintained schools and academies.
The reinstatement of the SSSNB builds on the work already underway to re-establish teaching as an attractive profession and recruit 6.500 additional teachers. As well as fully funding a 5.5% pay award, the government is also taking steps to support teachers’ wellbeing and ease workload pressures including allowing teachers to carry out lesson planning at home, improving flexible working for staff.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
Support staff make up over half the workforce and our schools would grind to a halt without our brilliant teaching assistants, catering staff, caretakers and many more vital roles.
They make a huge contribution to children’s education and the smooth running of our schools. By reinstating the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) we will make sure they are properly valued and respected as the professionals they are, supporting our work to drive high and rising standards so every child has the best life chances.