Members of Blaenau Gwent Council’s People Scrutiny Committee has heard of the ongoing commitment to monitor and review Education provision in the County Borough to secure further improvements in educational outcomes for children and young people.
The Council’s Education Directorate has an ongoing programme of self-evaluation, which is driven by the improvement priorities in the Education Improvement Plan 2022 – 2025.
The Committee heard how steady progress has been made in many areas, especially in relation to school performance where the inspection and categorisation profile has improved. There has also been a reduction in schools causing concern and requiring intervention, and early analysis has shown that this year’s GCSE results are the best ever based on external examinations.
The report also spoke about a consolidation of leadership in education and support services; good collaboration with and across our schools; progress in relation to ALN reform and Welsh education and the lowest ever number of young people being NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).
There are also several areas for focus and improvement including language acquisition in early years’ children: improving the attainment of both free school meal and more-able pupils and improving attendance. There will also be a recovery focus on pupil and staff well-being following a difficult few years due to the Covid Pandemic.
The Council will continue to work with a range of partners on its priorities and has also formed a Headteacher working group to ensure there is effective engagement, communication and consultation with schools.
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Executive Member for People & Education says:
“Education in Blaenau Gwent is a Council priority, and the self-evaluation report identifies some significant areas of progress. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with teaching and supporting our children and young people. We are committed to building on this so that we can ensure that every learner has access to the very best opportunities to succeed. We will continue to work to improve, and self-evaluation and being honest with ourselves about performance and areas for development is a vital part of this.”
