Agenda item

To present information to Joint Committee members regarding a Written Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language.

This item was presented for information to members. Resolved to invite the Minister for the Welsh Language and Education to an extraordinary meeting of the Joint Committee for a discussion on education across the north Wales region. 

The report was submitted by the Managing Director of GwE. Attention was drawn to the following main points:

-      It was confirmed that the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language had issued a written statement: 'School improvement and the information landscape' on 19 January 2023, which outlined the next steps in terms of developing a new data and information ecosystem / landscape.  This update was submitted for information to the Members.

-      It was explained that the written statement detailed the new information system for schools and shared recommendations on the accountability levels of schools.

-      Members were reminded of the unexpected announcement that a 'Capped 9 Points Score' system would return as an accountability measure from summer 2023 onwards. This measure would create a score based on the results of 9 GCSE qualifications or equivalent qualification. 

-      It was elaborated that the Welsh Government had confirmed that two working groups would be established, with practitioners in schools and local authorities collaborating on a vision of how schools' accountability should look in future.

-      Reference was made to a 'sampling' system that would also be implemented. This would be used for schools and officers to share ideas and contribute to improve the system through examples of good practice.

-      It was noted that careful action must be taken when accountability measures were introduced as it was possible that schools would compete against each other rather than work together, share ideas and implement good practices.

-      It was emphasised that a statement had been released by ESTYN's Chief Inspector, confirming that inspections would operate in the same manner as current processes.

Members of the Joint Committee were given an opportunity to share observations and ask questions:

Disappointment and frustration were expressed that local authorities, schools and the Regional Consortium were not consulted about these updates. It was noted that the timing of the announcement caused concern as it had been issued in the middle of an academic year and soon after the results of early examinations.

It was emphasised that headteachers and teachers had felt pressured recently as a result of matters such as behaviour and attendance, and reintroducing the 'Capped 9 Points Score' arrangement could add to this.

It was confirmed that some members of the Joint Committee would meet the Minister in March and concerns about the situation would be shared at that time. It was proposed to hold an additional meeting of the Joint Committee following this meeting in order to have a further discussion about education in North Wales, and to ensure considerations to improve the system and understand accountability measures, and to invite the Minister to the meeting for observations. Following that meeting, the Joint Committee would be able to share a statement on behalf of the region's schools should members deem it appropriate.

RESOLVED

This item was presented for information to members. Resolved to invite the Minister for the Welsh Language and Education to an extraordinary meeting of the Joint Committee for a discussion on education across the north Wales region.