As reported by Gov.uk, The School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) is being reintroduced to ensure fair pay, career progression, and proper recognition for essential school support roles

The School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) – which was abolished in 2010 by the previous government – is to be reinstated in recognition of the vital role support staff play in the workforce and young people’s education.

Support staff make up over half the school workforce and include a wide range of roles including teaching assistant, administrative staff, catering staff or caretakers.

The reintroduction of the body will deliver on a manifesto commitment and marks a key milestone in the Education Secretary’s commitment to reset the relationship with the sector. It will also play a vital role in helping to ensure that schools can continue to recruit and retain the staff they need to drive high and rising standards.

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.

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.”