TORFAEN’S politicians have paid tribute to the support staff at schools across their constituency after visits to two borough schools.

Lynne Neagle AM visited Pontypool’s St Alban’s RC High School in Pontypool, while Nick Thomas-Symonds MP was a guest at New Inn Primary School in November.

A special assembly was held at the primary school with the borough’s MP joining the celebratory event.

“I was delighted to speak at the School Assembly about the Unison "Stars in Our Schools" initiative, celebrating the fantastic work support staff do in our schools and recognising their vital role in our children’s education,” he said.

The MP also joined pupils for breakfast and spoke with the school council as well.

"I thoroughly enjoyed joining pupils for breakfast and meeting the School Council,” said Mr Thomas-Symonds.

“The pupils asked great questions on politics, and we discussed the role of a Member of Parliament both in Westminster and locally. I wish all the pupils all the very best for the future.”

A short distance away, a similar assembly was held at the secondary school, which involved the choir performing songs in honour of the support staff in accordance with Unison’s Stars in our Schools day.

“People think schools are just teachers and pupils but there are a whole team of people behind the scenes – the cleaners, the canteen staff, the technicians and the caretaker – who are vital,” said Ms Neagle.

“It takes the whole team to make the school work.

“They are the unsung heroes of the school, although in their case it was the opposite of unsung as the choir were magnificent. It’s great to have Unison recognising the staff in this way.”