UNISON, the UK’s largest education union, is calling on the Government to back the guidance on health support for pupils by identifying cash for the required training of staff.
The union has broadly welcomed clearer legal guidance being issued to schools today (Thursday 15 May), that is designed to help pupils with medical conditions and the staff who support them.
Pupils currently receive health support from a wide range of school support staff, including teaching assistants, clerical assistants and even finance officers.
The union is calling on the Government to commit resources and funding to ensure that staff are given the training they need to implement individual healthcare plans, and safely carry out what can sometimes be complex medical procedures.
Jon Richards, UNISON Head of Education, said:
“At a time when training budgets are being cut, schools will not be able to implement the guidance unless they have the money to pay for training, as we pointed out in our response to the consultation”.
UNISON has campaigned long and hard to address inconsistencies in the provision of health support and the administration of medicines, which has left both pupils and the staff that provide these services vulnerable.
Jon Richards added:
“Support staff in schools add these vital extra duties to a range of other complex responsibilities and yet the average annual wage for teaching assistants is only around £11,700*. UNISON believes that the time has come for them to receive the recognition and reward that they deserve.”
ends
Notes to Editors
* according to Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (based on HMRC tax records 2013)