'Lack of staff harming level of education'

SCHOOL staffing shortages are harming children's education and safety, according to a new report.

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A survey of almost 3,000 support staff including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners found that three in five reported having fewer colleagues than a year ago, with just 6% saying numbers have increased.

More than three-quarters of those surveyed by Unison said there were not enough workers to meet pupils' needs, with a similar number warning reduced staffing made it harder to keep pupils safe.

The main reason given for the shortage was the failure of schools to replace people when they leave.