Commenting in response to new analysis from NFER, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, showing schools' struggles to recruit teaching assistants and other support staff, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Support staff play a vital role in our schools - without them schools simply wouldn’t be able to function. They really are the unsung heroes of the school workforce.

“We frequently hear from leaders who are having to reduce the number of teaching assistants they have in order to balance the books. We also hear about TAs having to take second jobs, or even leave their jobs in schools because they know they can be paid more in the local supermarket. Schools want to be able to pay TAs what they are truly worth, but they just don’t have the funding to do so.

“Where this is the case children undoubtedly suffer – often the most vulnerable. If the government wants a more inclusive school system then it must ensure schools have the necessary funding for the staff required to deliver it.”