Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent progress she has made on establishing the School Support Staff Negotiating Body.

School support staff are an essential part of the school workforce, and the department recognises that they are crucial to ensuring we give children the best possible life chances.

That is why the reinstatement of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) is a priority for this government. The department has recently set out plans to reinstate the SSSNB through the Employment Rights Bill, introduced in parliament on 10 October 2024. This is currently at the Committee Stage in the House of Commons. The SSSNB will have a remit to negotiate pay and terms and conditions, and to advise on training and career progression for school support staff in state-funded schools in England. The Body will be composed of representatives of employers, representatives of support staff, representatives of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education and an Independent Chairperson.

The department is also continuing to engage with the recognised support staff trade unions and other stakeholders, including on the design of the SSSNB.

The SSSNB will play an important role in supporting the department’s work to drive high and rising standards in education and ensuring we give all children the best possible life chances.