February 2018
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This timely seminar focused on next steps for raising school standards in Wales - looking at effective categorisation, tailored support and the teaching workforce.
It came after the publication of the Welsh Government’s National Education Plan, which outlines plans to raise school standards through reducing class sizes, reforming teacher training and a £1.1 billion investment in school buildings.
It was also scheduled to follow the release of the annual National School Categorisation ratings, and assessed the effectiveness of tailored interventions to support and increase attainment in schools deemed to require further improvement. In addition delegates also evaluated the mechanisms for providing schools, local authorities and Regional Education Consortia with the information and support needed to improve standards and assess the role of the Regional Education Consortia in co-constructing the categorisation system.
In light of proposals in the National Education Plan to reform teacher training and the launch of a scheme to improve the manner in which supply teachers support schools and the introduction of professional standards for teaching assistants, further sessions assessed key priorities for achieving Government aims to reduce class sizes, ensure provision of career-long development programmes and reduce unnecessary workload.
Delegates also discussed the relationship between school attendance and student outcomes, focusing on the potential causes of high absenteeism, and the next steps for hitting Government targets including, early intervention, non-cognitive approaches and alleviating social pressures.
