NEARLY four in ten school support and early years workers are worried about having enough money to feed their families this Christmas, according to a new nationwide survey.

The poll of more than 4,600 staff working in schools and early years settings, carried out in December 2025, also found that more than half are concerned they will not be able to afford Christmas presents for their families.

The findings highlight the financial pressures faced by workers who play a vital role in caring for and educating children, but who are among the lowest-paid in the education sector.

The average teaching assistant earns just over £17,500 a year, while those working in early years settings are paid around £19,000.

Despite their own financial struggles, almost three-quarters of respondents said they felt obliged to bring items in for the children they look after. These included treats, sweets and cakes, Christmas presents and festive clothing, with some staff buying raincoats and body warmers from charity shops for children arriving at school without adequate outdoor clothing.

One respondent said: “I have breakfast items in my drawer all the time as many children don’t eat before coming to school.” Another told how their money was “stretched further” after buying food and clothing for pupils whose families could not afford the basics.

The survey also revealed widespread frustration over a lack of flexibility around time off during term time. More than half of respondents with primary-aged children said they had been unable to take time off to watch their own child’s nativity performance for at least three years. Just six per cent said they had been able to take a day’s leave to do Christmas shopping during the working week.

Some respondents described being penalised for personal circumstances, with one worker saying they had an hour’s pay deducted for attending a funeral.

Stacey Booth, GMB national officer, said the findings should “horrify” the public.

“It’s fair to say most people will be shocked that the people we rely on to look after and educate our children are so badly paid that they’re worried about feeding their own families at Christmas,” she said.

“It’s a tragic indictment of what we value as a society, and how for generations the work done largely by women has been systematically undervalued.

“From chronically low pay and term-time-only wages, to daily abuse, violence and the inability to take time off outside school holidays, school support staff face a relentless list of workplace problems.”

She added that the reintroduction of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, promised by a future Labour government in 2026, would be “absolutely vital” and must be delivered in full.

Youth Theatre opens doors for spring term

YOUNG people in Pembrokeshire are being invited to take their first steps onto the stage as Torch Youth Theatre opens enrolment for its spring term.

The Torch Theatre is welcoming new members to its youngest group, aimed at children in school years three and four, with sessions beginning this January. The programme is designed to nurture creativity, confidence and friendship in a fun, supportive environment.

The Youth Theatre is well known for producing acclaimed shows such as The Bangers and Chips Explosion, Ravers and The Wind in the Willows, but its focus extends far beyond performance alone.

Tim Howe, who leads the programme, said the sessions are about building life skills as much as theatrical ones.

“Our sessions help young people build confidence in a safe, supportive space,” he said. “We encourage social skills by making new friends and learning how to work as a team, while using imagination to tackle creative challenges. Most importantly, every session is packed with energy and laughter.”

Sessions for the youngest age group take place on Tuesday evenings from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.

Tim added: “It’s an ideal after-school activity for all sorts of young people. Whether they’re a born performer, a little bit shy, or just looking to try something new, there’s a place for them here.”

While younger members develop their skills, the Youth Theatre’s senior group is beginning rehearsals for its next production, Sycamore Gap, sponsored by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. The play forms part of the National Theatre’s UK-wide Connections programme.

“The National Theatre Connections production is just one of the many performance opportunities we provide,” Tim said. “Young people can also take part in voiceover work for our pantomime, termly informal showcases, and our spectacular annual summer productions. Torch Youth Theatre is a vital part of our live theatre programme.”

Members themselves speak passionately about the experience.

“Going to Torch Youth Theatre is my favourite part of the week,” said one participant. “It’s funny, welcoming, and a space away from the world where you can let go and be free.”

Another added: “Torch means a lot to us. It has helped us build bonds and given us opportunities we never would have had otherwise.”

Youth Theatre groups meet weekly:

• School years 3 and 4: Tuesdays, 4:30pm–6:00pm
• School years 5 and 6: Wednesdays, 4:30pm–6:00pm
• School years 7, 8 and 9: Tuesdays, 6:30pm–8:00pm
• School years 10, 11, 12 and 13: Wednesdays, 7:30pm–9:30pm

The Torch says it is looking forward to welcoming a new generation of young theatre-makers through its doors in 2026.

For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk, call the Box Office on 01646 695267, or email Tim Howe at [email protected].

A CONSULTATION on proposed changes for a north Pembrokeshire school, which attracted a near-400-strong petition in opposition to the council, has been launched.

At its May meeting, Pembrokeshire County Council considered a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which outlined the findings of a review of education provision in the Preseli area.

“In particular, the review considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council in its consultation on proposals for discontinuation of Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School has said.

A later July meeting of the council, following May’s agreed consultation with St David’s Diocese, backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school.

The consultation was launched on December 16 and runs to January 30.

Hundreds have opposed the proposed changes, with a petition, on the council’s own website opposing the changes recently closed after gaining 391 signatures.

Any petition of between 100 and 499 signatures triggers a debate at one of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees, and any over 500 a debate at full council, meaning this petition will be heard by committee members at a later date.

The proposals for Cilgerran are part of a wide range of potential education changes in the county.

Two petitions, opposing the potential closures of Manorbier and Ysgol Clydau schools, were recently heard at full council and a further petition opposing the potential closure of Stepaside School has recently been launched.

The Cilgerran e-petition, created by Louise Williams, raised concerns including the school could become part of a federation, a loss of permanent head teacher on site, a shared head teacher would have to oversee several schools, loss of funding control and the ability to maintain the school’s current healthy and stable funding, and a loss of commitment to the church, in turn could impact on the school’s and pupils values, beliefs and cultural beliefs. 

It said: “Ysgol Cilgerran VC school has strong links with the Church community in Cilgerran and we believe this will have a negative impact on the children who attend the school, the community of Cilgerran and the links between the two.

“We are proud of our school ethos and values which are strengthened by our links with the church. The school has close and strong relationships with our Church in Wales federation governors one of which is also our safeguarding governor.

“Our Church Federation governors work closely with the school and are regular visitors to the school and the children. They provide vital support and guidance to the school and have a positive impact on the Children’s education. We believe these links will be weakened by this proposal to remove our VC status and we believe this is an un-necessary action.”