COLUMN: Wider support needed for our schools

With education services, or the problem with them, hogging the local headlines of late following a shocking Estyn report into their delivery by Powys County Council, Montgomeryshire Senedd Member Russell George shares his views in his monthly column.

“Recent Estyn reports have shed light on significant shortcomings in the educational services provided by Powys County Council and the Welsh Government.

In an inspection report made public last month, Estyn identified several areas where Powys County Council’s education services were lacking. Whereby, Estyn has confirmed it has significant concerns with the department and the lack of support given to schools.

I agree with local calls for any decisions around the future of local schools to be delayed following the Estyn Inspection. The report also highlighted inadequacies in strategic planning and resource allocation, which have hindered the delivery of quality education in the region. ​

The report paints a bleak picture of education in Powys, which is under Liberal Democrat and Labour leadership. Estyn’s second recommendation pulls no punches, saying: “Strengthen the quality and impact of leadership, including political leadership, at all levels.”

That is a devastating indictment of this administration’s failure to provide the vision, support and drive our schools desperately need.

This marks a sharp contrast to the findings of the previous inspection, where the then Welsh Conservative and Independent-led council was praised for its strong leadership stating: “The Chief Executive, the Leader, the Portfolio Holder for Education and the Director of Education have provided robust leadership and have secured notable positive change in Powys.”

Alongside, Welsh Conservative councillors, I have expressed deep concern over the findings of Powys’s education department.

This report only emphasises the picture across Wales where 20% of children in Wales are functionally illiterate upon entering secondary school. A truly shocking indictment of Welsh Government. The problem is clear. In England, the cueing method to teach reading was banned in 2005, due to concerns it could undermine efforts to teach pupils to read, but this has still not happened in Wales.

Alongside my Welsh Conservative colleagues, I have advocated for the adoption of synthetic phonics as the primary method for teaching reading, arguing that this evidence-based approach could significantly enhance literacy rates.

Estyn’s annual report points to broader issues within Wales’ education system. Persistent problems such as learner absenteeism and difficulties in recruiting teachers and support staff across various specialisms continue to challenge education leaders. ​

Furthermore, as Welsh Conservatives, we propose a comprehensive review of current educational reforms. The existing curriculum may inadvertently widen inequalities, increase teacher workload, and limit future educational opportunities.

By pausing and reassessing these reforms, I believe a more effective education system can be established. ​

In addition to curriculum changes, the Welsh Conservatives have pledged to scrap ‘cueing’, create a recruitment plan which aims to reduce class sizes, alleviate teacher workload, and ultimately boost attainment levels across Wales.

There is an urgent need for systemic changes to address the educational failings identified by Estyn. I will continue to advocate for evidence-based teaching methods such as phonics, a thorough review of current reforms, and increased investment in the teaching workforce as essential steps toward improving educational outcomes in Wales.