26 February 2008
Education standards in Wales are improving in most areas as is the quality of teaching in Wales. These key findings are highlighted today by the Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales.
Responding to the annual report 2006-2007 by the education Inspectorate Estyn, Cllr John Davies (Pembrokeshire), WLGA Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning said:
“Welsh councils are committed to putting the educational needs of children and young people within their communities first. Today’s report shows our approaches are paying off with an increasing number of schools showing excellence across all seven areas of work inspected. The report highlighted a number of positives, in particular primary schools are exceeding Welsh Assembly Government targets and standards in secondary schools are also continuing to rise. ”
“Furthermore today’s results support the findings of the recent survey of schools carried out by the Wales Audit Office which highlighted a high satisfaction rate amongst Welsh schools when it comes to the support they receive from their local council.”
“Let’s not forget too that year on year educational results across Wales are improving. This year’s exam results showed that Welsh pupils are excelling themselves in maintaining a remarkable GSCE and A Level pass rates. The results reinforce the dedication and excellent abilities of Welsh pupils, but also the commitment and contribution of our education professionals, both within schools and local authorities to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people. ”
“We must not be complacent however and we acknowledge the need to narrow the gap between the best and the worst performers. Local government recognises that it must continue to focus on school improvement and raising individual pupil attainment levels. For this reason the WLGA has been working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government in developing the School Effectiveness Framework. This approach is based on the sharing of innovation and good practice with the aim of improving outcomes for children and young people.”
“We will be looking at the report in great detail over the coming weeks and look forward to working with our partners in the education community, and especially Estyn, in taking this improvement work forward.”
Ends
Copies of the 2006-2007 Annual report by Estyn are available at www.estyn.gov.uk
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks