Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab)

- Hansard -

I would like to present this petition on behalf of Marie Steele and more than 120 classroom assistants from west Cumbria who are both angry and upset at Cumbria county council’s single status proposals.

The petition states:

The Petition of residents of Cumbria, and others,

Declares that the Petitioners are concerned about the plight of Teaching Assistants in Cumbria, who feel they are being unfairly treated and whose professionalism is severely under threat. The Teaching Assistants/support staff across the county are currently fighting a change to their terms and conditions that affects their hours and a considerable loss of pay. Support staff are a vital resource for the running of a school. Senior Teaching Assistants also cover classes when teachers are absent or on planning time.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Secretary of State for Education to look into the plight of Teaching Assistants.

And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

[P000898]