Powys Council, for example, is currently subject to a statutory notice in relation to the quality of its education services. This follows a damning report from Wales’ Estyn, its education inspectorate. The report pointed to four main recommendations to improve the local education ecosystem. It focused on the very real requirements for a sustainable model for 16-19 education and urged action, in particular, to fix the site security problems found in school buildings.
To follow up on these recommendations, the council has set-up an accelerated improvement board made up of local and national leaders to create an action plan. This board held its first meeting on April 2, with Emma Palmer installed as its chair. The board remains determined to deliver Estyn’s recommendations. They aim to produce a detailed measures of effectiveness assessment that goes far beyond those first few recommendations.
Estyn’s first recommendation underlines the need for Powys Council to tackle major security concerns on school campuses. The estimated price to address these issues is £1.6 million. The council hopes to complete these improvements over the next year, ensuring that safety measures are prioritized in local schools.
At the inaugural meeting of the accelerated improvement board, council member Pete Roberts sought to assuage fears about the new format. He promised not to step down as long as he had the backing of the council’s leader and cabinet. Jeremy Pugh, a self-described centrist on the ideologically-bent council, called for a vote of no confidence in Roberts. Member Aled Davies seconded the request. A motion of confidence should have been formally submitted before 17:00 BST on the day prior to the meeting.
James Gibson-Watt, one of the other leading council figures, later apologised for the council’s previous failings.
“I have apologised to parents and pupils that we as a council have not supported them as we should,” – James Gibson-Watt
This joint Estyn report has caused particular alarm in the community. It has made the finding that Powys Council “is providing poor or very limited education services.” Those findings immediately sent council members into a panic, spurring hours of emergency discussions. They’ve done it with an eye towards restoring trust and effectiveness in the local education system.
Change created an accelerated improvement board to jumpstart this work. It now must walk the tightrope of implementing mandated reforms while navigating its own tumultuous waters. Powys Council is now focused on the need to work up a robust strategy. This strategy will address current needs but help create lasting changes for years to come.
