UNISON in Schools

08/10/2026

⭐ Early Years Stars 2026 ⭐

The work you do is vital. You are there for children from the very beginning, providing a safe and happy space for children to learn and helping them to reach their potential.

That's why we're excited to celebrate Early Years Stars 2026 on Friday 27 November.

🎉 Get involved in your workplace!
We encourage early years staff to hold celebratory events in their workplaces! So, why not organise a celebration with colleagues, children and families?
Ideas include:
🎨 Creating thank-you artwork with children
🖍️ Using our colouring sheets and fun activity resources
🍪 Baking treats for your team
🏛️ invite your MP and local councillor to your special event so they can see how important early years staff are

Find resources and ideas here:
🔗 https://www.starsinourschools.uk/early-years-stars
🔗 https://www.starsinourschools.uk/get-involved

Have your own celebration planned? We'd love to hear about it! Email your ideas and event details to 📧 [email protected]

Let's come together to celebrate the dedication, care and professionalism of all early years staff. 🌟

⭐💜

In November, schools across the country will celebrate the people behind the scenes who help children learn, keep them safe and healthy and make sure schools run smoothly.

06/10/2026

The weather's getting colder, the bills are getting higher, and the festive season is just around the corner. Whether you're looking for ways to save money now or plan for a more comfortable future, join us for Financial Wellbeing Week next month!

UNISON College's webinar series begins on Monday 16 November - seven free events, all open to all UNISON members, covering all aspects of financial wellbeing. Come to one of them, come to all of them - we'd love to see you!

Find out more and sign up here:
https://unison.org.uk/financial-wellbeing-week

05/10/2026

🚨 Don't forget to vote in our consultation of school support staff!

📆 Deadline is 6 October at 12 midday!

🗳 If you have not received your email, then you can vote here: https://unison.tfaforms.net/331

❗ Please note that this consultation only applies to members in England and directly employed support staff working in maintained schools and academies. Please check the full eligibility criteria here: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/what-is-the-school-support-staff-negotiating-body-and-what-does-it-mean-for-schools-and-staff/

🚨 Final chance to have your say in our school support staff negotiating body consultation for members in England! You must complete your online vote by 06 OCTOBER to be counted. Check your email for your personal link and make your voice heard!

02/10/2026

❌ SSSNB CONSULTATION CLOSING - Tuesday 6 October ❌

If you haven't cast your vote yet, the deadline to have your voice heard is fast approaching. This is an e-ballot, so don't wait by your letter box - check your emails!

If you haven't received an email yet, contact UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

UNISON is asking school support staff members if you agree with the SSSNB proposals. We recommend voting 'YES’.

More info at unison.org.uk/campaigns/new-deal-school-support-staff

01/10/2026

29/09/2026

🚨 Upcoming training for school support staff 🚨

📢 Challenging misogyny, sexism and sexual harassment in schools and FE colleges: Thursday 15 October, 4pm–5.30pm

Join UK Feminista for an interactive online session exploring how support staff can recognise, respond to and challenge misogyny, sexism and sexual harassment in schools and FE colleges. The session will cover online misogynistic content, reporting, safeguarding and creating a culture of respect.

📆 Places are limited – book now:
https://unison.org.uk/events/challenging-misogyny-sexism-and-sexual-harassment-schools-and-fe-colleges

✨ More courses for UNISON members! ✨

We also have a comprehensive range of courses for our members and activists: unison.org.uk/learning/members

Upcoming:

👉 Menopause Colleague Awareness – Tuesday 13 October, 12pm–1pm

👉 ADHD Awareness for Schools Support Staff – Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 November, 4pm–5.30pm

It is always worth our members checking out their regional education websites: unison.org.uk/learning/in-your-region

Learning in your region Most member and activist training is organised on a regional basis Contacting your regionTo find out about what’s available near you, contact your regional education team using the details below. Cymru👤 Rachel Price✉️ Activist training: [email protected]...

29/09/2026

Here's another perk of being a UNISON member!

At 12 noon this Wednesday 30th September, eligible members can apply for a £30 voucher towards food costs this changing season. Check your eligibility through the link below, and set your reminders for midday Wednesday! https://unison.org.uk/there-for-you/seasonal-food-fund

25/09/2026

💜 CONSULTATION OPEN 💚

If you are school support staff, look out for an email with your ballot on the proposed School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB).

UNISON's SSSNB will be your dedicated voice and will reflect and recognise the realities your experience every day, helping to tackle issues such as unfair pay, term time only contacts and unrealistic expectations to cover additional workloads.

Plus, there will be no option for academies to opt out.

UNISON is running an online consultation between 15 September - 6 October, asking members: ‘Do you agree with the proposals?’. Our national School Sector Committee, made up of UNISON members, recommends you vote ‘YES’.

More information about SSSNB can be found at unison.org.uk/campaigns/new-deal-school-support-staff

💜✊💚

UNISON in Schools

25/09/2026

🚨 Don't forget to tell your branches to order our Stars in Our Schools merch before Friday 9 October! 🌟 💜 🌟 💜

24/09/2026

👉 For members in the east midlands region - come along to an online meeting on the School Support Staff Negotiating Body today at 6pm!

📍 Registration link in the post below 👇