§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with trade unions about(a) pay and conditions and (b) training of (i) teaching and classroom assistants and (ii) nursery nurses. [42089]
§ Mr. TimmsLast December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met a representative from the GMB and school support staff including teaching assistants and nursery nurses to hear their views about the pay and conditions of service of school support staff.
Departmental officials are currently discussing in a working party with representatives of teachers, employers and support staff, a range of options for developing the role, career structure and training of support staff in schools.