'Fairer pay' call for nursery nurses

Unison says classroom assistants need a 'career structure'

Nursery nurses and teaching assistants in County Durham are hoping to re-open negotiations over a new pay claim.

The proposal to improve pay scales was lodged by Unison back in November 2001.

But despite protest letters and a meeting with the leader of a Durham County Council, Unison say the Local Education Authority has still not returned to the negotiating table or put forward any offer to meet the claim.

The claim is designed to improve pay across the board and give better rewards for those with the most qualifications, experience and responsibility.

Unison say anger and frustration is now rising among staff who they say perform a "vital role" in the education of children and in raising standards.

We want to see them rewarded in the same way teachers have been in recent years Howard Pink, Unison

They are planning to lobby the next meeting of Durham County's full council when it meets at 1000 BST on Wednesday.

Howard Pink, Unison's regional officer, said the role of the nursery nurse and teaching assistant had evolved.

"We want to see a career structure so that people can progress rather than be stuck on a salary point that has not improved for 15 or 20 years, and simply see pay increase.

"These people are doing an absolutely vital role, linked very closely to improving educational standards for children.

"The grade was put ion the job years ago when it was a much more basic role about the welfare, safety and supervision of children.

"It is now changed so people are involved in delivering the national curriculum.

"Their role is very much an educational one, and if it was not for their work and talents, we wouldn't see the improvements which are happening across the whole county in raising educational standards.

"We want to see them rewarded in the same way teachers have been in recent years."