Exciting news for schools in Wales! 🎉 Thousands of teaching assistants are in for a well-deserved pay rise. From September 2026, over 3,300 Level 1 teaching assistants will be bumped up to Level 2, scoring a pay rise of up to £1,350. This boost, confirmed by Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle, will be fully funded by the Welsh Government.
Why is this a big deal? It’s a step towards fairer pay and better working conditions, aiming to tackle the recruitment and retention challenges schools face, especially with subjects like science, maths, and Welsh. Schools have been struggling to fill positions, sometimes relying on teachers who aren’t specialists.
Not just about pay, it’s part of a broader Strategic Education Workforce Plan that focuses on making teaching an attractive career choice, ensuring quality education, and alleviating staff workload. There’s also a big push to support non-teaching roles like Family Engagement Officers, addressing key issues like behaviour and attendance.
The plan, developed with feedback from school staff, unions, and local authorities, places staff wellbeing at its core. Lynne Neagle highlights that it’s about equipping school staff to meet learners’ needs efficiently.
Here’s to a brighter, more supportive future for our schools and their fantastic staff! 🌟📚 #EducationUpdate #SupportForSchools #WalesEducation