Issue - meetings

The Gwynedd Education Language Policy was approved and adopted for its introduction as a Model Education Language Policy for schools to consider its adoption and implementation.

The report was presented by Cllr Dewi Jones. ⁠

DECISION

The Gwynedd Education Language Policy was accepted and adopted to be introduced as a Model Education Language Policy for schools to consider its adoption and implementation. ⁠

DISCUSSION

Pride was expressed at the opportunity to present the new Model Education Language Policy for schools to Cabinet. It was noted that the policy had been before the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee on more than one occasion, and previously before Cabinet for permission to engage. It was further noted that the policy before Cabinet followed that public stakeholder engagement process. It was noted that discussions had been held with individual members of the Council, language organisations, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and several other organisations in order to obtain different perspectives, listen to concerns and consider ideas before moving forward.

It was noted that this was a policy for Gwynedd, which reflected Gwynedd, its values, ambition, needs and the needs of the children and young people of the county. He thanked his predecessor on the Cabinet, Meirion Prys Jones, and the officers for their work on producing the policy. The importance of openness during the process, being open to ideas, challenge and collaboration with stakeholders to formulate the best possible policy was noted.

The importance of persuading and convincing, rather than insisting or enforcing was emphasised. The need to convince people of the value of the Welsh language, to win their hearts and show the value of Welsh education and the way in which the Welsh language opened rather than closed doors was noted.

It was underlined that incredible work had been done over the last few decades in this respect. It was noted that generations had worked tirelessly to strengthen the language, to build the Welsh education system we had today, and to ensure that more children and young people had the opportunity to live and work through the medium of Welsh. It was emphasised that these achievements were something to celebrate. It was noted that this new policy would hopefully build on that work, on the success, on what was already working, on opportunities, on confidence, and on building a stronger future for the Welsh language.

It was emphasised that the Welsh language belonged to all of us, those who were fluent speakers, those who were learning the language, and those who had not yet had the opportunity. It was noted that there was a place for everyone in the story of the Welsh language. Everyone was asked to unite behind the Welsh language and give every child in Gwynedd the opportunity to experience the benefits of having the language, ensuring that it continued to be a living, thriving and confident language. Everyone was urged to open doors to a world of opportunities, experiences and benefits that would stay with our young people for the rest of their lives.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       The need for the Cabinet and the Council to support the journey was noted to ensure that adequate resources  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7