In response, Powys Council is proactively working to address persistent site management failures in schools. This comes on the heels of a scathing inspection report published by Estyn. The report had a particular focus on education services in Powys. It found that when risks were identified on sites, they were not sufficiently mitigated. This has led the council to take the pledge a step further and commit to uniting education services to collectively improve outcomes for all learners across the region.
To say that the inspection was critical of the quality of education provided by Powys would be an understatement. Estyn noted that secondary schools inspections have continually produced futility inspections over the years. Furthermore, primary schools in central Cardiff are concentrated in an area with an equally high rate of follow-up measures, relative to the rest of Wales. Powys council has accepted Estyn’s recommendations and plans to implement an action plan with thorough monitoring to drive education improvements.
Even these counter efforts, the Estyn report was Powys council’s own “disappointing,” it found urgent reforms are required. To lead this charge, the council has appointed a new chief executive and director of education. The new leadership promised to “double down” on increasing the rigor of educational standards through strong practices and policies.
“Strengthen the quality and impact of leadership, including political leadership, at all levels,” – Estyn
If you’ll recall, the report focused on the need for immediate enhancements to school site security. Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans condemned the Welsh Government, blaming the fall in school standards on ‘leadership failures’.
“The Lib Dem/Labour run council are failing the children of Powys and allowing our school standards to decline and budget deficits to rise,” – James Evans
Powys county council then sought to address those criticisms directly. They restated their commitment to improving the quality of site management, and their commitment to working with partners to develop a sustainable model for 16-19 education that serves the needs of all learners.
“we’ve got to make dramatic improvement in the area, and I’m determined to see that happen,” – James Gibson-Watt
