A programme which will transform education in Powys has today been relaunched, the county council has announced.
Powys County Council’s Transforming Education Programme was relaunched by Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys at reception held at Tŵr Brycheiniog on the first day of the Royal Welsh Show (Monday, 18 July).
As part of the relaunch, an updated version of the council’s Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys will be published as well as information about the activity which will take place during Wave Two of the programme, which will run from 2022 to 2027.
The strategy, which was developed in response to Estyn’s inspection of the council’s Education Services in 2019 and with input from a wide range of stakeholders, was originally launched in April 2020.
The strategy has now been updated following the county council election back in May and has also been extended to 2032 so that it is in-line with the political cycle.
“Securing the best start in life for young people is one of the priorities of the Progressive Partnership for Powys agreement,” said Cllr Roberts.
“We face a demographic drift of young people moving away from Powys, and particularly from our most rural communities. We need to ensure that through all the services that the council provides, and through our partnerships with others, we can secure the education, training, jobs and affordable homes that our young people need if they are to stay in our rural communities.
“Delivery of the Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys will be key to achieving this and I’m keen to ensure that the Transforming Education Programme continues at pace.
“We are at a time of significant change for education, both in Powys and across Wales, with the Curriculum for Wales due to be introduced from September 2022 onwards. This brings new opportunities, but also challenges, and it is essential that Powys schools and teachers are well equipped to provide the best possible opportunities for our young people.
“Change is never without its challenges and communities that are impacted should be at the centre of making those decisions.
“We are committed to putting learners at the heart of all we do, and will invite ideas from the community at the earliest stage we can as we develop specific proposals and by listening to the views of those affected by any changes, I’m confident that we can make better decisions, and can work together to deliver the change needed to ensure that young people brought up in Powys benefit from an education system which will enable them to compete with the best in the world.”
