Emergency Meeting Called Following Alarming Estyn Report on Schools and Education Service in Powys
An emergency meeting has been urgently called after a concerning report was released uncovering significant issues within Powys’ schools and education service. Estyn, the education inspectorate, highlighted weak leadership across all levels, as well as school site security issues within the Powys Local Education Authority. The inspection outcomes in secondary and all-age schools were consistently poor over time, with a higher proportion of primary schools in Powys requiring Estyn follow-ups compared to the national average, according to the 16-page Estyn report.
Powys Council leader, Cllr James Gibson-Watt, has expressed the need for immediate action in response to the distressing report. He emphasised the importance of addressing the clear recommendations and outlined plans for an extraordinary council meeting to discuss the necessary steps to rectify the identified concerns. The meeting, which will involve cabinet portfolio holders and the council’s leadership team, aims to provide a transparent platform for addressing the urgent improvements required in the education service.
Estyn’s comprehensive inspection covered various aspects, ranging from school budgets to leadership quality, bullying prevention, and strategic planning. The report revealed financial challenges faced by several Powys schools, with some carrying substantial deficits, particularly in the secondary sector. School improvement processes were deemed slow and ineffective, pointing to a lack of sustainable improvements brought about by the local authority. Furthermore, urgent attention was urged towards addressing critical school site security issues.
Specifically concerning were the findings related to secondary and all-age schools in Powys. Estyn noted a consistent pattern of weak inspection outcomes in these institutions, with only a few exceptions. The report highlighted the need for enhanced leadership quality and support mechanisms to drive improved outcomes for all learners, including those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
Furthermore, Estyn recommended the swift development of a financially viable model for 16-19 education in collaboration with partners to cater to the diverse learner needs, including Welsh-medium education and support for pupils with ALN. The local authority is tasked with formulating an action plan to address these recommendations, with Estyn scheduled to monitor the progress through subsequent visits.
Regarding school budgets, despite efforts to support schools with financial concerns, Estyn pointed out a lack of substantial improvement in school budget positions over time. The education service’s improvement plan was criticised for lacking a clear strategic direction and concrete actions to drive positive change effectively across the authority.
In terms of school safety, Estyn emphasised the importance of promptly addressing critical school site security issues to ensure a safe learning environment for students. Additionally, the report highlighted shortcomings in bullying prevention measures, where schools were found to underreport instances of bullying and lacked in-depth analysis to address the issue effectively.
While acknowledging the determination of Powys’s director of education to effect improvements, the report underscored the need for focused objectives, clear actions, and specific success criteria to drive meaningful change within the education service. The Powys Council is facing a crucial juncture in its efforts to revamp the education system and deliver quality learning outcomes for all students across the county.
In conclusion, the Estyn report has shed light on critical shortcomings within Powys’ education service, urging immediate action to address the identified concerns and drive sustainable improvements. The forthcoming council meeting is poised to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive action plan aimed at revamping the education landscape in Powys for the benefit of all learners.