Agenda item

To consider a report of the Scrutiny Investigation on Welsh-medium education.

(a)          The report of the Scrutiny Investigation on Welsh-medium education was submitted. This investigated into the reality and performance of Welsh language education in Gwynedd.

(b)        Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd, Chairman of the Scrutiny Investigation Group, reported that the investigation had concentrated on three catchment-areas, namely Ardudwy, Bangor and Botwnnog due to the linguistic demography of the three specific areas. They looked at how the authority’s Language Policy was implemented at grassroots level in individual schools and the extent to which the provision assists in promoting the social use of Welsh by children and young people.   Attention was drawn to the attached appendices which stated how they had come to a conclusion and recommendations.   It was recognised that excellent work was undertaken in schools; however, there was always room for improvement to ensure the continuation of Welsh within and outside its curtilage.      

(c)        In conclusion, the Investigation’s Chairman took the opportunity to thank his fellow members and the officers for a comprehensive and clear report.   He also thanked everyone who had been part of the Investigation by openly sharing their experiences.

(ch)      During the ensuing discussion the following points were highlighted: by individual Members:

(i)             Concern was expressed of what was being implemented in private schools in the County with more and more pupils leaving these schools without any Welsh.         

In response to the above, it was explained that the public sector had to follow the national curriculum, however the independent sector had freedom, in accordance with Section 163 of the Inspection Department, to offer a wide curriculum where Welsh did not have to be part of that curriculum.   It was noted that the education authority did not have supervision over them but they could contact the Welsh Government / ESTYN to find out what are the requirements of the specific Section of the Act and if the inspectorate measured in accordance with local needs.

(ii)            Children made good progress at the Latecomers Centres however, frustration was expressed that the taxi drivers of pupils to and from these centres were not Welsh speakers.   It was suggested that a request should be made to the companies who win the transport contracts that it is essential for the drivers to be able to speak Welsh.

In response, it was confirmed that the Education Service would investigate the above.

(d)        It was noted for information to Members that an application had been received from the Welsh Government for the authority to share the Language Charter across Wales.

(dd)      The Cabinet Member for Education thanked the Scrutiny Investigation for the thorough work undertaken by them and all the recommendations were welcomed and accepted.

Resolved:       (a)        To accept the contents of the report and approve the recommendations submitted to the Cabinet Member for Education and to request that he submits a progress report on the actions within six months. 

                                    (b)       To request that the Lead Officer of the Scrutiny Investigation shares the findings of the Scrutiny Investigation with the County’s schools and language centres.   

                                    (c)        To convey to the Welsh Government / ESTYN the concern of this Scrutiny Committee regarding the school curriculum in the independent sector and the use of the Welsh language as outlined in (i) above.