It is hoped the pay rise for some of the lowest paid school staff will help address problems recruiting and retaining people
Teaching assistants provide important support in the classroom(Image: Getty Images)
Thousands of the lowest paid classroom staff in Wales are getting a pay rise. Level 1 teaching assistants in Wales will be moved to level 2 roles from September, 2026.
The rise means more than 3,300 current level one teaching assistants, will receive a pay rise of up to £1,350. Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, confirmed that the Welsh Government would fund the salary increase.
Future teaching assistant roles will also be recruited at a minimum of level two. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter
It is hoped the pay rise will help address problems recruiting and retaining school teaching assistants.
Ms Neagle said it was, “the first step towards the long-term goal of pursuing fairer pay and conditions for all teaching assistants”.
The announcement comes as the Strategic Education Workforce Plan for Schools is published. The plan was agreed after speaking to staff in schools, unions, local authorities, inspection watchdog Estyn and the Education Workforce Council Wales.
It sets out actions for the Welsh Government, “to take forward”, including ensuring quality of teaching and learning and addressing school staff workload.
The plan is aimed at, “ensuring that teaching, supporting teaching and educational leadership are attractive career pathways”. Schools across Wales report problems recruiting staff, especially in science and maths subjects and Welsh language teachers across the board. In some schools exam subjects are being taught by teachers without degrees in that area.
There is also a commitment to “investing and supporting” non-teaching pastoral roles including Family Engagement Officers to help address issues around behaviour and absence.
Lynne Neagle added: “The plan has been developed in collaboration with the sector and will support our leaders, teachers, and support staff now and in the future. Equipping them with the skills they need to meet the needs of learners, with wellbeing support for the staff at the heart of the plan.”
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