Welsh Government Updates
Recruit, Recover, Raise Standards
Consultation Seeking Views on the School Year
Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language has opened a consultation seeking views on the school year. We are seeking your views on proposals to amend school term dates so that terms are more equal in length, with more evenly distributed breaks, for maintained schools in Wales.
The consultation: https://www.gov.wales/structure-school-year starts today, 21 November 2023 and will be open until 12 February 2024. We would like to attract a wide range of responses, so would be grateful if you could forward this email on to anyone in your networks who may have an interest.
If you prefer to use social media, a message is available on our Twitter (@WG_Education / @LlC_Addysg) and Facebook (@EducationWales / @AddysgCymru).
Shared Understanding of Progression – Welsh Government
Brief overview
Welsh Government have confirmed that plans for securing a shared understanding of learner progression need to be in place by September 2023, but schools can capture these arrangements within existing plans e.g. the Cluster Plan. Please see the link below, which sets out the full direction of the detail.
National Data Collection 2023
The Welsh Government is expecting Key Stage 3 (KS3) data only to be returned having removed the requirements for Baseline Assessment data this year, and having previously removed the requirements for Foundation Phase Outcomes (FO) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) data in 2021/2022. In addition, as KS3 requirements were also removed for Special Schools in the 2021/2022 data collection, this means that due to the removal of Baseline Assessment data for 2022/2023, no data return is expected from Special Schools this year. As a result, the NDC return for the 2022/2023 academic year that is currently happening should only contain KS3 data; and this is expected from all maintained schools that have KS3 teaching taking place, with the exception of Special Schools. Technical Completion Notes for the ongoing collection that provides further details can be found at https://www.gov.wales/national-data-collection-ndc-technical-completion-notes-schools-and-local-authorities.
With regard to the KS3 data required by the Welsh Government, as in previous years, this must include the individual learner’s end of KS3 teacher assessment data for any learner on the school register at the on roll date, being 9 May 2023 for this year’s collection. All learners in their final year of KS3 must receive a teacher assessment in each relevant core and non-core attainment target and subject. For the end of KS3 teacher assessments, they are based on the national curriculum year group in which the pupil is taught, rather than the pupil’s date of birth that indicates if they are eligible for assessment, and should be included within the school’s data for the NDC as outlined in section 3 of the Technical Completion Notes. This approach has not changed from previous years when this data was collected.
You can also find the Welsh Government’s guidance on continued assessment arrangements from summer 2022 and during the transition period to the new Curriculum for Wales at https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales/assessment-arrangements/supporting-transition-from-the-current-arrangements-to-curriculum-for-wales/.
If you have any queries regarding the above, feel free to get in touch with us at IMS@gov.wales.
New guidance on how to use INSET days and the Professional Learning Grant to create time and space for practitioners to engage with professional learning.
Performance management in schools – changing the culture
The Welsh Government is developing revised performance management guidance to bring arrangements in line with other changes in education.
We want to engage with a range of practitioners (teachers, leaders, and support staff) from all phases, via online Teams meetings in May.
If you would like to join in, please complete this form https://forms.office.com/e/UuLRNsNrsZ
Personlsied Assessment Regional_LA messages - January 2023 - early spring term key messges Bilingual.pdfPersonalised Assessments 2023 – Welsh Government Reminder
Assessments can be taken at any time during the school year. There is no set assessment window. Personalised assessments are for formative use, with a range of feedback on individuals and group skills that support understanding of strengths and areas for improvement. The outcomes should not be used for performance measure purposes. The personalised assessments are statutory this year. The administration handbook for 2022 to 2023 sets out the requirements
Summer term 2022 updates
13 July 2022
Regulations about reporting school and pupil information
A summary of the requirements for reporting school and pupil information.
There have been a number of policy changes that have impacted on school reporting requirements. Whilst these reforms are ongoing, the information below sets out the current regulatory requirements for reporting school and pupil information.
Regulations about reporting school and pupil information [HTML] | GOV.WALES
16 June 2022
Additional Learning Needs Implementation – June Update 2022
PUBLISHED TODAY: Implementing the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018: practitioner guide
A new practitioner guide has been published to support local authorities, governing bodies of maintained schools, management committees of pupil referral units (PRUs), school and PRU teaching staff and additional learning needs coordinators (ALNCos) to understand the arrangements for the implementation of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (ALN Act).
This guide sets out the arrangements for moving children from the special educational needs (SEN) system to the additional learning needs (ALN) system over the three year implementation period (1 September 2021 to 31August 2024).
Explainer animation on the new ALN system for children and young people
This video animation is aimed at children and young people. It explains the new ALN system, how it works and how it will support learners with additional learning needs.
Please share this across your channels. https://youtu.be/zGqUdATKI6E
Thank you for continuing to provide the information, specialist support and extra resources to meet the needs of children and young people with ALN.
Find out more about the ALN Transformation Programme:
Online Additional learning needs | Sub-topic | GOV.WALES
Twitter #additionallearningneeds #ALNWales #ALNAct
E-mail ALNImplementation@gov.wales
10 June 2022
Personalised Assessments Update – June 2022
The fifth and final pre recorded professional development webinar for personalised assessments has been published, we would be grateful if you could signpost your schools to them.
There are a small number of schools across Wales who have not signed up to use the assessment system as yet. We wanted to make you aware that we will be working with the assessment helpline to follow these schools up. The helpdesk will contact the schools directly and offer them support and advice and to remind them that the statutory requirements to undertake the assessments are in place this year. We would be grateful if you could ensure that all relevant schools within your region are aware of the requirements which are set out in the Administration handbook.
We wanted to draw your attention to the recently published legislation change which has two regulations in relation to personalised assessments: transitional provision for personalised assessments to continue to apply to Years 2 to 9 during Curriculum for Wales roll-out (Regulation 5), and the exclusion of personalised assessment results from the information that a governing body is required to report to a local authority (Regulation 10.2)
Spring term 2022 updates
28 March 2022
The National Resource: Evaluation and Improvement
The National Resource for Evaluation and Improvement will be launched on the 11th May at 1pm by Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language.
Details of the virtual national launch event will follow - The national resource: evaluation and improvement - Hwb (gov.wales)
14 March 2022
Personalised assessments – key messages - March 2022
Personalised assessments are designed to support understanding of individual learner progression as part of Curriculum for Wales. The assessments are for formative use, with a range of feedback on individuals and groups that support understanding of strengths and areas for improvement.
Personalised assessments are statutory during the 2021-22 school year. They are available for flexible use throughout the year for schools to schedule at a time they consider most beneficial.
All head teachers need to log in and accept the data sharing agreement for their school in order for their school staff to schedule assessments and gain access to reports to help them in their planning.
Personalised assessments in Numeracy (Reasoning) are now available. This is the final assessment to go live. These assessments require the use of audio; sets of headphones were distributed to schools in summer 2022.
Following use of the Numeracy (Reasoning) assessments, teachers have access to a bank of teaching resources to support next steps and development of reasoning skills. School are encouraged to use the assessments as early in the school year as possible in order to make best use of the associated numerical reasoning resources.
Teachers are advised to read the relevant sections of the Personalised assessment administration handbook and note the guidance on Numeracy (Reasoning) assessments in relation to Year 2 learners and the flexibility for schools to use professional judgement on whether or not Year 2 learners take these assessments.
Schools are asked to ensure that learners use the familiarisation assessments to see the question types before they take the live assessments. This is particularly important for Numeracy (Reasoning) which has an audio element. Familiarisation assessments can be accessed by learners via their Hwb log-in.
When planning progression, teachers are encouraged to give full consideration to the skills identified by the assessments (not the scores alone), alongside any other relevant classroom-based information.
10 February 2022
As we collectively deliver a new curriculum for Wales, raising standards in a national endeavour we all share, PISA 2022 will take a sample of our education system and help us jointly identify the most appropriate next steps. For more information
Headteacher Event with the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, 17 February 2022
Please share the link to the headteacher’s event on 17 February with your schools
Curriculum for Wales – towards September 2022: what you need to know and do
There is no need to register, just visit the page on the day.
For those who can’t attend, the session will be recorded.
Questions can be posted on the day, sent in advance or if you’d like to ask your question direct to the Minister on the day we have a limited number of spaces available. Please contact dysg@gov.wales
27 January 2022
Reform of the school year
School leaders and governments across the world are looking at the rhythm of the school year to see whether changes can help avoid children “losing” learning during long holidays, ensure a better recovery from the effects of the pandemic and create a structure that works better for teachers and school staff.
Will a change better align with working / family patterns and provide greater opportunities for young people? Will change have an effect on other sectors of the economy and public services, and how could changes help improve learner wellbeing and confidence, and improve recruitment and retention within the school workforce?
To inform Welsh Government policy development, we are currently engaging with stakeholders including the education workforce, non-education stakeholders such as employers, specific industries (e.g. tourism) and also children and young people to gather thoughts, ideas and opinions.
One key element of this research and engagement stage are online surveys – one for the education workforce and one for young people (under 18). As one of the Welsh Government’s valued stakeholders we’d very much appreciate your help to spread the word about these surveys to the relevant audiences: the more people who have their say, the better the range of ideas and the stronger the research and engagement will be.
You can find the surveys via the links below:
Education workforce survey – bit.ly/33u226m
Young people’s survey - bit.ly/3If3Q1H
What's in this pack?
We have created a pack to provide some simple tools to help you share this opportunity with your own networks, colleagues and audiences. The content has been tailored to target the two audiences of the surveys mentioned above. This includes:
- Example social media posts
- Example text for email, website or newsletter
- Images and a short animation
Please feel free to tweak and edit the text to suit your own needs, preferences and audiences.
You can access all materials through the hyperlinks below:
For Google Drive click here
For Dropbox click here
WeTransfer: https://we.tl/t-46ESjkyK5G
19 January 2022
The Relaxation of School Reporting Requirements (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2022
Please see attached letter from Huw Owen, Deputy Director Schools Effectiveness Division, regarding The Relaxation of School Reporting Requirements (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2022.
Autumn term 2021 updates
22 October 2021
New plan to recruit more Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic teachers
The Welsh Government has today announced its intention to introduce financial incentives to help recruit more ethnic minority teachers.
The Plan will include targeting promotion of teaching as a career to more people from ethnic minority communities. There will also be a requirement for Initial Teacher Education courses to work towards the recruitment of a percentage of students from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Read more - New plan to recruit more Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic teachers | GOV.WALES
22 September 2021
Curriculum for Wales: The journey to curriculum rollout
Today (22 September 2021) we have published Curriculum for Wales: the journey to curriculum rollout which sets out clear common expectations, priorities and approaches to help schools prepare for curriculum rollout. Video message from the Minister
To further support schools we have also launched the new National Network. Led by teaching practitioners, and open to all schools and settings, it will bring together teachers from across schools, curriculum experts and a range of stakeholders to work together to make the most of the opportunities of reform.
Curriculum for Wales Blog: National Network launches for Curriculum
Published today is the Government Social Research service’s interim report on the survey of schools’ preparations for the new curriculum.
We have also published Renew and Reform: September 2021 update.
Headteacher conference
We also announce the date of our Journey to curriculum rollout conference on 14 October 2021, 16:00-17:30
This year’s conference will be hosted virtually with contributions from the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Welsh Government Director of Education, schools, regional consortia, Estyn, Qualifications Wales and NAEL.
To understand the issues affecting the curriculum rollout journey, we ask that headteachers complete the following survey by 30 September, and share with us their areas of concern. This will inform the conference agenda, where the top three concerns will be addressed by our contributors.
Joining instructions and links to the conference will be shared via Directors of Education and regional consortia MDs.
School Performance Reporting Arrangements - 2021-2022
In terms of data releases this is what WG have published on School Performance Reporting the latest Covid-19 Update (from 21 June 2021) is here:
School performance reporting arrangements: COVID-19 update | GOV.WALES
We have suspended the calculation and publication of Key Stage 4 and legacy sixth form performance measures for 2020 to 2021 and 2021 to 2022 academic years.
Qualification awards data will not be used to report on attainment outcomes at a school, local authority or regional consortium level and must not be used to hold schools to account for their learners’ outcomes.
For post-16 performance measures, we will consider the best approach, in view of the range of providers and different types of programmes that are affected in different ways. The sector will be consulted, before any firm decision is taken, in order to consider what would be useful to help their own monitoring and quality assurance processes.
All schools and post-16 providers will continue to be required to undertake effective self-evaluation to support continuous improvement. Our evaluation, improvement and accountability arrangements require consideration of a broad range of information relevant to a school’s own context when undertaking self-evaluation and identifying improvement priorities. This will involve schools, with support from local authorities and regional consortia, using the learner level information they have on attainment and other outcomes to reflect on and improve their existing arrangements.
The Relaxation of School Reporting Requirements (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 came into force on 18 June 2021. These Regulations amend a number of other Regulations, which place duties on headteachers, governing bodies and local authorities to produce learner and school reports, as summarised below. (The School Performance and Absence Targets (Wales) Regulations 2011 were revoked in 2020, this means that schools are no longer required to set and publish targets.)
WG have also published an information management strategy calendar for 2021.
Information Management strategy calendar 2021/22 e (gov.wales)
May 2022 has the requirement for KS3 assessment data to be returned to Welsh Government, but we know that KS3 should not be used for accountability purposes (since 2018)
Summer term 2021 updates
21 June 2021
Written Statement: School information, improvement and inspection arrangements – supporting renewal and reform
Please see enclosed Written Statement: School information, improvement and inspection arrangements – supporting renewal and reform.
Final recommendations on the teaching of themes related to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and experiences within the curriculum.
Spring term 2021 updates
Assessments update
Private candidates
Qualifications Wales has published guidance for private candidates and Welsh Government published a list of centres for private candidates this week.
Qualifications Wales is also undertaking a campaign to publicise the information to private candidates.
And a link to the private candidate guidance – we are doing a paid for social campaign too
WJEC have updated the Summer 2021 webpages.
WJEC have published a Student Guide.
Next week
Welsh Government updating private candidate information early next week to include further support available for private candidates taking non WJEC qualifications. The UK Government Department of Education will be updating their guidance to reflect this too.
WJEC will make the following materials relating to their Vocational Qualifications available next week - via the WJEC Secure Website.
Timeline for centres
Guidance for centres
Past papers and mark schemes
Training materials and exemplars
15 April 2021
Personalised assessments in 2020/21 Important update:
Personalised assessments - Hwb (gov.wales)
In 2020/21, personalised assessments in Numeracy (Procedural) and Reading are available to take at any time. Due to the disruption caused by Covid-19, the requirement for schools to run the assessments is on a ‘reasonable endeavours’ basis. The changes to the requirements are set out in the Addendum to Personalised Assessments Administration Handbook 2020/21. Addendum to Personalised Assessment Administration Handbook 2020/21.
WJEC working in partnership with AlphaPlus, on behalf of the Welsh Government, has developed a series of professional learning materials to support schools and teachers in their use of the Personalised Assessments. Further guidance on accessing is attached.
8 April 2021
Assessment arrangements: summer term 2021
Guidance for schools and settings on learner assessment for the summer term 2021 including key considerations to support learner progression and supporting case studies. This relates to normal assessment practice not the arrangements being made for general qualifications this year: Assessment arrangements: summer term 2021 | GOV.WALES
11 March 2021
In the Welsh Government, Supporting information for learning in schools and settings from 15 March (https://gov.wales/supporting-information-learning-schools-and-settings-15-march-html), there are two small but important paragraphs related to Moderation Arrangements and Personalised Assessments.
Moderation Arrangements: “To create greater space and flexibility for this more individualised approach to assessment, we will be disapplying the requirements for end of key stage assessments (Foundation Phase, Key Stages 2 and 3) and the associated moderation requirements.”
Personalised Assessments: “Our policy on requirements around personalised assessments and continuous assessment of the Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2 and 3 is that they will continue on a reasonable endeavours basis to enable teachers to understand and support individual learner needs. Further information on expectations for continuous assessment and personalised assessments will be provided.”
3 March 2021
Return to education - press release, letter to schools and timing
Here are the following links to the press release:
Video now released on twitter
https://twitter.com/wgmin_education/status/1367006828081520641 (English)
https://twitter.com/wgmin_education/status/1367006832745533448 (Cymraeg)
Press release
https://gov.wales/more-pupils-have-opportunity-return-schools-easter (English)
2 March 2021
Update on the Additional Learning Needs system
The Minister for Education has today announced that the Additional Learning Needs Code and associated regulations have been laid before Senedd Cymru.
You can view the Code, Explanatory Memorandum and Integrated Impact Assessment here and the associated regulations here:
Further information about the ALN transformation programme and guidance on the current SEN system is available here including our frequently asked questions and ALN transformation programme guide.
Please send any queries to SENReforms@gov.wales
27 January 2021
20 January 2021
Assessment arrangements for GCSE, AS and A level grades in summer 2021
14 January 2021
Update on the Additional Learning Needs system
Welsh Government has now published non-statutory guidance for the three new ALN co-ordinating officer roles that came into force on 4 January ahead of the planned introduction of the ALN system in September of this year.
The three guides can be found online at the following links;
Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCO)
https://gov.wales/role-additional-learning-needs-co-ordinator
Designated Education Clinical Lead Officer (DECLO)
https://gov.wales/role-designated-education-clinical-lead-officer
Early Years Additional Learning Needs Lead Officer (Early Years ALNLO)
https://gov.wales/role-early-years-additional-learning-needs-lead-officer
8 January 2021
Live-streaming and video-conferencing: safeguarding principles and practice
This guidance was originally published in May 2020 entitled Live-streaming safeguarding principles and practice for education practitioners during the COVID-19 outbreak when most practitioners were working from home. This document formed part of the continuity of learning ‘Stay Safe. Stay Learning.’ programme and is aimed at maintained schools and settings in Wales.
In September 2020 the guidance was updated and re-published to reflect instances where practitioners and learners are back in the classroom. However, it still retains guidance on working and learning from a home environment. It has also been extended to include guidance for other practitioners and external organisations that support maintained schools and settings and their learners.
Autumn term 2020 updates
National Reading and Numeracy Personalised Assessments
Relates to online reading and numeracy tests (years 2 to 9). The reasoning assessments are currently being trialled and will not become statutory until 2021-22
Assessments remain a statutory requirement, but currently on a ‘reasonable endeavours’ basis, as part of modification of curriculum and assessment requirements
The assessments are focused on understanding learner progress, and are not to be used for school performance or accountability purposes
Personalised assessments should not be a cause of worry or anxiety for learners and it is important that schools consider how the assessments are presented.
Schools may choose to use the assessment twice during the academic year if they wish
Consortia role in supporting Personalised Assessments
Monitoring undertaken on behalf of the Local Authority. Monitoring will now take the form of supporting and promoting good practice in the use of the assessments and reports
Legislative requirement to monitor 10% of schools, however flexible timing means this will have to be undertaken throughout the year. Support will be integrated into planned visits to and contact with schools throughout the year
Previously, headteachers were asked to forward documentation, to confirm appropriate administration. This is now declared through the online system.
Previously, consortia had a role in approving decisions on disapplication. Due to the adaptive format of the personalised assessments, it is anticipated that there will be far fewer cases of disapplication. Schools have been asked to maintain a list of disapplications, to be requested by the regional consortia (acting on behalf of local authorities) at the end of the school year.
Previously, in order to monitor schools were asked for schedule of tests, during the ‘test window’ so that visits could be planned. This requirement will be considered and an update provided in January 2021.
25 November 2020
Update on the Additional Learning Needs system
The Senedd yesterday approved the ‘Draft: Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (Wales) Regulations 2020’ (“ALNCo Regulations 2020”) which will come into force on 4 January 2021. This marks another significant step towards the implementation of the ALN system; and our goal of transforming the expectations, experiences and outcomes for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN).
The ALNCo Regulations 2020 prescribe the qualifications and experience of the ALNCo role and will help to ensure greater consistency in how schools and further education institutions in Wales will exercise their duty to designate an ALNCo.
Please note that as indicated in her statement on the 3 November, the Minister for Education has commenced by way of Order, the requirements in the ALN Act for schools and further education institutions; health boards; and local authorities to designate, respectively, an ALNCo; Designated Education Clinical Lead Officer (DECLO) and the Early Years Additional Learning Needs Lead Officer (EYALNLO) on 4 January 2021.
We will shortly be publishing non-statutory guidance on the operational duties of the three ALN statutory roles. This will be based on the intended final text of the ALN Code which has been developed and revised following the 2018-19 code consultation and is to be laid before the Senedd in February 2021.
ALNCos have a vital role to play in helping schools and FEIs to prepare to deliver their statutory duties and responsibilities under the ALN Act 2018. Before these duties commence on a phased basis from September 2021, ALNCos in schools and FEIs across Wales have an opportunity to embed systems and practice; build effective and collaborative relationships; and to lead the whole education setting in delivering the ALN system effectively.
To support the ALNCo role we are developing an ALN National Professional Learning Programme. This is a targeted programme of training and development where tailored training, relevant to the individual will be available, to help build on their existing knowledge and skills. It is intended to enable the ALNCo to fulfil their responsibility to deliver the strategic planning, co-ordination and delivery of additional learning provision.
This supports a key aim of the ALN system, which is to ensure that all learners with ALN are supported to overcome their individual barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.
Further details will be published shortly on the learning programme and the package of workforce training we have developed to support newly established ALNCos and existing SENCos who are transitioning to the new ALNCo role.
You can find out more about the ALN transformation programme and guidance on the current SEN system here including our frequently asked questions and ALN transformation programme guide.
Please send any queries to SENReforms@gov.wales
19 November 2020
An interim report has been published today from the working group set up to strengthen education resources relating to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
19 November 2020
12 November 2020
12 November 2020
This email is sent to you from Welsh Government and includes updates for all education and childcare settings including Work Based Learning.
18 November 2020
4 November 2020
Update on the Additional Learning Needs system
The Minister for Education announced yesterday that the ‘Draft: Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (Wales) Regulations 2020’ (“the ALNCo regulations”) have been laid before the Senedd.
These regulations prescribe the qualifications and functions of the ALNCo role and are to be debated by the Senedd on the 24 November. The ALNCo role is a fundamental part of the ALN system designed to ensure a greater consistency in the designation of ALNCos; and the co-ordination of additional learning provision.
On 29th October the Minister made an Order to commence:
from 2 November, various powers in the Act, including the power to make the ALNCo regulations; and
from the 4 January 2021, the requirements for schools and further education institutions; health boards; and local authorities to designate respectively an ALNCo; Designated Education Clinical Lead Officer (DECLO) and the Early Years Additional Learning Needs Lead Officer (EYALNLO).
The requirements to designate each of the statutory roles and the laying of the ALNCo regulations marks a significant milestone in the progress of these crucial ALN reforms, for the benefit of all children and young people in Wales with ALN.
You can find out more about the ALN transformation programme and guidance on the current SEN system here including our frequently asked questions and ALN transformation programme guide.
Please send any queries to SENReforms@gov.wales
22 September 2020
Welsh Government: School Performance Reporting Arrangements (10 August 2020)
https://gov.wales/school-performance-reporting-arrangements-important-update-0
As set out in Written Statements dated 18 March 2020 and 3 July 2020, the Minister for Education has announced changes to the publication of qualification awards data and performance measures due to coronavirus.
In addition, The Relaxation of School Reporting Requirements (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 have been made to reduce burden on schools and local authorities for 2019/20.
Please see summary document attached below.
15 September 2020
Estyn webinar: Sharing effective practice to deliver A level Welsh First Language
If you’re involved in teaching A level Welsh First Language then register for this short webinar. It can help to improve planning, delivery and marketing of this important subject.
Listen to the author of Estyn’s recent report and hear good practice from leaders in schools and a further education college.
Book your place https://www.eventsforce.net/estyn/270/home
4 September 2020
REMINDER: Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill – consultation
Dear colleague
You will be aware that the Children, Young People and Education Committee is currently scrutinising the general principles of the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the Committee has issued an open call for evidence on the Bill.
Given the volume of information we expect to receive, and the set timetable in which we are expected to report, we request that you submit all information via an online portal. Further information on how to contribute is available on the webpage.
Please forward this email to any organisation or individual you think would like to contribute to the consultation.
The consultation will close at 17:00 on Tuesday 29 September 2020. Please note that it will not be possible to consider responses received after this date.
A child-friendly consultation is also available. We would encourage all children and young people to have their say, please share this email and let the children and young people have their voices heard on how they want to be taught.
Please note the closing date for this version has been extended to 20 September 2020.
Kind regards,
The Children, Young People and Education Committee
3 September 2020
Implementation of the Additional Learning Needs system
The Minister for Education has today published a statement on the progress of the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) transformation programme.
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, work to finalise the ALN Code and regulations has continued. These will be laid for approval before the Senedd in February 2021, ahead of the commencement of the ALN system over a three-year phased period from September 2021. Please see a timeline here.
The ALN statutory roles are to commence in January 2021, and guidance to support our delivery partners will be published. This guidance, based on text from the revised Code, will provide further clarity on the statutory roles by expanding on what already exists in the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018.
As part of our ongoing work to support children and young people, families, their representatives and education practitioners, including in the context of the current pandemic, we have published guidance on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged learners, including those with ALN, as schools and settings return to full operations.
You can find out more about the ALN transformation programme and guidance on the current SEN system here including our recently updated frequently asked questions and ALN transformation programme guide.
In addition, we are launching a consultation on proposals to allow representatives to act on behalf of young people, and parents of children, who lack mental capacity, when exercising their rights under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018. To ensure the consultation reaches the people the proposals will most affect, we will be working with Children in Wales to ensure young people who lack capacity are targeted and supported to engage with the consultation. This forms a crucial part of the work on the ALN code and regulations.
Please send any queries to SENReforms@gov.wales
Guidance face coverings ADEW
link to the updates guidance:
Operational guidance for schools and settings from the autumn term - https://gov.wales/operational-guidance-schools-and-settings-autumn-term-covid-19
Guidance for safe operation in post-16 learning from September 2020 - https://gov.wales/guidance-safe-operation-post-16-learning-september-2020
Updated FAQs - https://gov.wales/back-school-plans-september-coronavirus
Summer term 2020 updates
14 July 2020
The Welsh Parliament’s Children, Young People and Education Committee is currently scrutinising the general principles of the Curriculum and Assessment ) (Wales) Bill.
A consultation has been launched to inform the Committee’s work. Given the volume of information we expect to receive, and the set timetable in which we are expected to report, we request that you submit all information via an online portal. Further information on how to contribute is available on the webpage.
Please forward this email to any organisation or individual you think would like to contribute to the consultation.
The consultation will close at 17:00 on Tuesday 29 September 2020. Please note that it will not be possible to consider responses received after this date.
A child-friendly consultation will be available in due course.
Please find below a link to the learning and operational guidance to support schools and settings in their preparations to welcome all learners back in the autumn term.
https://gov.wales/operational-guidance-schools-and-settings-autumn-term-covid-19
https://gov.wales/guidance-learning-schools-and-settings-autumn-term-covid-19_
Covid 19 Education Stakeholder update 13th July 2020 (attached below).
7 July 2020
Dear Members,
The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill and Explanatory Memorandum have today been laid before Senedd Cymru.
Please refer to the attached bulletin for further information on the Bill and the legislative process.
We thank you for your support to date and look forward to continuing to engage with you as the Bill proceeds through the Senedd.
Written Statement: National School Categorisation System 2020/21
18 June 2020
Please find the update for FAQ’s published on the Welsh Government website 17th June.
Main page: https://gov.wales/education-coronavirus
Schools Increasing Operations from 29 June: https://gov.wales/schools-increasing-operations-29-june-coronavirus#section-43683
There has also been updated guidance and FAQ’s for Governing Bodies will be published today on the website
10 June 2020
Operational guidance for schools and settings: Keep Education Safe (COVID-19) - Guidance for schools and settings to safely increase their on-site operations for staff and learners - https://gov.wales/operational-guidance-schools-and-settings-keep-education-safe-covid-19
Guidance on learning over the summer term: Keep Education Safe (COVID-19) - This guidance provides advice on learning and teaching that schools and settings may wish to provide for the remainder of the summer term - https://gov.wales/guidance-learning-over-summer-term-keep-education-safe
3 June 2020
“Check in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and September” – All schools in Wales to enter next phase - All children will have the opportunity to “Check in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and September”, the Education Minister Kirsty Williams announced today as she published details of the next phase for schools in Wales - https://media.service.gov.wales/news/all-children-will-have-the-opportunity-to-check-in-catch-up-and-prepare-for-summer-and-september
19 May 2020
Policy update: Headteacher and school based reports - Please find attached further information on the Welsh Government’s intended approach to headteacher and school based reports this year. This is advanced advice, subject to the legislative changes being made, to aid planning by schools, governing bodies and local authorities.
18 May 2020
Updated guidance documents
Stay Safe. Stay Learning: supporting the education system - https://gov.wales/stay-safe-stay-learning-supporting-education-system
Live-streaming safeguarding principles and practice for education practitioners - https://hwb.gov.wales/zones/online-safety/live-streaming-safeguarding-principles-and-practice-for-education-practitioners/
Developing approaches to support distance learning - https://hwb.gov.wales/distance-learning/developing-approaches-to-support-distance-learning/
Cameos and ideas from schools and PRUs on continuing with school business - Document attached.
28 April 2020
The Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, will today (Tuesday 28 April) set out her five key principles which will determine how education will be phased in at schools in Wales.
The Education Minister will set out five guiding principles which will determine when and how schools will return to providing education for most school pupils:
The safety and mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of students and staff
Continuing contribution to the national effort and strategy to fight the spread of COVID-19
Having the confidence of parents, staff and students – based on evidence and information – so that they can plan ahead
Ability to prioritise learners at key points, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds
Consistency with the Welsh Government’s framework for decision making, to have guidance in place to support measures such as distancing, managing attendance and wider protective actions.
More here: https://gov.wales/education-minister-sets-out-five-key-principles-schools-return
20 April 2020
Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today (Monday 20 April 20) published a policy statement called ‘Stay Safe. Stay Learning’ which aims to support learners, leaders, governors, practitioners, parents and carers in dealing with the impact of coronavirus. The Minister launched the guidance on the day that marks the beginning of summer term making Wales the only UK nation to provide national guidance and tools in a coordinated way.
The Minister’s statement makes it clear that the Welsh Government’s priorities will continue to be:
the safety and physical and mental health of all learners and the education workforce in Wales,
the ability of all learners to keep learning,
and learners’ transition back into school and onto the next phase of their learning when it is safe to do so.
‘Stay Safe Stay Learning’ Policy Statement: https://gov.wales/stay-safe-stay-learning
Video link - Kirsty Williams: https://twitter.com/i/status/1252163048200196096
Supporting Documents:
Letter to Headteachers and Governors - from Minister of Education, Kirsty Williams. Please see attached.
ESTYN: Continuation of Learning - PowerPoint presentation from Secondary Headteacher seminars
Supporting guidance for parents, carers, teachers and learners on how to access resource - Consortia Digital Leads have been collaboratively developing ‘how to videos’ to support all stakeholders during this time. The ‘how to videos’ have been drawn up to support different scenarios for digital distant learning. The link below has individual scenario tabs to support Practitioners, Parents and Carers and Leaders and can be shared to provide digital support to all stakeholders - https://hwb.gov.wales/distance-learning/
Documents published from Estyn and partners with a focus on ‘School Business’
Advice for school and PRU leaders and governors on how to continue with school and PRU business during the Covid-19 pandemic - https://www.estyn.gov.wales/document/advice-school-and-pru-leaders-and-governors-how-continue-school-and-pru-business
Key principles to support the continuation of school and PRU business, using technology where appropriate - https://www.estyn.gov.wales/document/key-principles-support-continuation-school-and-pru-business-using-technology
Distance Learning guidance - These are the first phase of guidance that is available for you to share with parents and carers. The intention is to share additional information over the next few weeks - https://gov.wales/covid-19-guidance-parents-and-carers-support-families-stay-safe-healthy-and-learning
Resources to support Y13 students whose next step is University - https://hwb.gov.wales/distance-learning/resources/post-16 Twitter: pic.twitter.com/sx7G44Tffm
