Visionary education plan applauded by inspectors

ESTYN inspectors have highlighted the importance of a visionary plan for education across Swansea.

A report by inspection agency Estyn says that the Quality in Education 2020 (QEd) scheme is "a comprehensive strategy" for the long-term improvement of standards in education and educational buildings.

Inspectors say: "This strategy provides the foundation for the local authority's approach to school reorganisation and to improving the condition of schools. The local authority makes good use of the data it has to inform its development proposals."

Swansea Council's QEd 2020 programme aims to raise standards of achievement and attainment for all, improve the learning environment and to make better use of physical, financial and human resources.

Estyn inspectors go on to report that the local authority is meeting the demand for Welsh-medium provision and the needs of learners with additional learning needs (ALN).

They say: "The authority uses its detailed knowledge of pressure points in the sector well in its future planning.

"The Education Directorate has developed 415 new places in the Welsh-medium primary sector since 2004 and 739 in the secondary sector. It has also developed a good network of Welsh-medium and English-medium specialist teaching facilities in mainstream primary and secondary schools."

Inspectors said that improvement prospects were good with no major barriers for education access and school organisation.

The school admissions procedures to parents' first choice of schools are generally effective, says Estyn. Its inspectors also report: "The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership delivers good planning, extensive provision, effective training and quality assurance.

"There is effective early identification of ALN and appropriate support in pre-school settings through good multi-agency work, usually within the Flying Start initiative."

Cllr Mike Day, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "Matters such as falling school rolls present us with significant challenges and QEd 2020 represents an important vision which we are determined to make a reality. I am pleased that Estyn acknowledges that we have devised a strategy that is comprehensive."

Ian James, Swansea's Head of Education Effectiveness, said: "Our staff are eager to give all learners good access to education. School organisation is a vital component in this and we will continue to work hard on getting it right."