Newcastle Labour is proud to be supporting UNISON’s Stars in Our Schools campaign, an annual celebration of school support staff. This year the event took place on Friday 28 November 2025.
We know that it takes a whole team to make a school a safe and happy place for all children. School support staff help children learn, keep them safe and happy and make sure schools run smoothly. They are the caterers, cleaners, caretakers, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians, ICT technicians and many more roles.
Labour councillor for Lemington ward, Cllr Stephen Barry-Stanners, moved a motion of support at December’s full council meeting which was passed by a majority of councillors. Sadly the Liberal Democrat group in the council chose not to support the motion, a huge slap in the face for some of the lowest paid staff within schools.
Cllr Barry-Stanners said:
“I was delighted to propose a motion at full council last night promoting UNISONs Stars in our Schools campaign which recognises the incredible work that our school support staff provide.
“My Dad was a school caretaker for many years, and my Mam also worked in schools in a supporting role, so I have seen first hand how valuable these roles are to ensure children get the best start to life.
Schools and the people working in them are vital to our children and are also integral to the communities that surround them. I’m proud to back UNISON’s campaign to recognise the unsung heroes in those very schools
“I was however disappointed that councillors from the Liberal Democrat group chose not to support the motion to recognise the work of our schools hidden heroes.”
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour, who’s Mam also worked in schools in support roles, seconded the motion, she said:
“I remember my Mam kept a stock of clean, ironed clothes in case any child should need them. And how she bought treats, rewards, arts and crafts supplies, and sometimes even basic supplies, with her own money – and we weren’t particularly well off at that point. How she often worked more than her allotted hours and well beyond her job description.
“She did all of that because she cared about their wellbeing. Their happiness. Their dignity. She wanted the children she worked with to thrive so that could reach their full potential.
“And I tell you my Mams story, not only because I’m really proud of my mam, although I am. But because all schools have stars like her working in them. Going above and beyond. Doing what’s needed to keep their school running smoothly, children fed, looked after, safe and able to learn”.