France's National Assembly passed a bill to integrate student accompaniers with disabilities into civil service, sparking debates over costs and implementation.
National Assembly passes AESH bill
The National Assembly approved a bill on October 29 that would integrate student accompaniers with disabilities (AESH) into a category B civil service corps. The vote passed with 166 in favor, 16 against, and 123 abstentions. The bill now moves to the Senate for further examination.Reform targets 140,000 AESH workers
The reform, supported by the political group La France insoumise, affects approximately 140,000 AESH workers, according to Minister of National Education Édouard Geffray. The change does not immediately alter their contracts or salaries, as the bill only sets the legal framework for their integration.Cost estimates raise concerns
Deputy Béatrice Piron from the Horizons party noted that the Ministry of National Education had estimated a similar program at over 4 billion euros annually, including pension contributions. However, this figure is based on a previous program and not a detailed calculation of the current bill.Rapporteur highlights financial and social needs
Rapporteur Murielle Lepvraud acknowledged that creating a civil service corps would increase costs. She argued that the current precariousness of AESH roles affects both families and students’ access to education. The parliamentary report notes that many AESH positions are part-time, with challenges in recruitment and retention.New funding mechanisms proposed
Article 2 of the bill introduces a financial guarantee through an additional tobacco tax and increases to the flat-rate withholding on capital income, corporate tax, and real estate wealth tax. These measures are intended to ensure the financial viability of the initiative but are not a finalized budget plan for all anticipated costs.Future recruitment and training plans outlined
The bill proposes a trainee civil service career path for AESH currently in post as of September 1, 2026, who meet certain conditions. Future recruitments would involve competitions and training. The report mentions discussions about recognizing a 24-hour weekly support service as a full-time position, though legal details remain unclear.Current workforce and salary data
According to the commission on cultural affairs and education, about 140,000 AESH workers represented 88,400 full-time equivalents at the start of the 2026 school year. Nearly 98 percent worked part-time in 2024. The average monthly net salary was estimated at 1,030 euros, a figure linked to calls for better statutory and salary recognition.Challenges remain in implementation
Supporters of the reform argue that more stable and better-paid careers would help recruit and retain professionals. Opponents, however, question the proposed financing and worry that changing the status of AESH may not increase the actual hours of accompaniment available for students. The bill now moves to the next stage, where details on staffing, working conditions, and funding will be debated.
