Teaching Staff in London

"This Assembly values the role of teachers, but also teaching assistants and support staff across London’s schools, who are often overlooked. A good education improves children’s life chances and contributes to London’s economy, increasing skillsets and innovation. Teaching assistants and support staff play a vital role in supporting London’s most vulnerable children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They are also some of the lowest paid workers in the education sector.

Therefore, this Assembly expresses its concern about the impact of cuts to teaching assistants and support staff, with particular reference to those that have recently taken place at Halley Academy School in the borough of Greenwich. Cuts to these roles prevent vulnerable children from receiving the support that they are entitled to, restrict opportunities for Londoners and go against the Mayor’s ambition to create a fairer and more equal city.

This Assembly calls on the Mayor to add his voice and support to all teaching staff in London. The Assembly also requests the Education Panel to consider an investigation into the value and contribution of teaching support staff in London, particularly children with SEND, taking evidence from employers, workers representatives and Ofsted, as a matter of urgency.”