8. Debate: The Estyn Annual Report 2016-17

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:14 pm on 6 March 2018.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 5:14, 6 March 2018

(Translated)

Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. May I move the amendment in the name of Plaid Cymru? And may I thank Her Majesty’s chief inspector for education and training in Wales—to give him his full title—for the annual report, which certainly makes a great contribution to our understanding of the situation? It is something that we place great importance on and appreciate very much. I also endorse the recognition of the Cabinet Secretary of the excellent work happening in the sector, in difficult circumstances—circumstances that are becoming more difficult because of the financial limitations that have become a reality in the budgets of many local authorities over the past few weeks. I think it’s important that we recognise that reality for those working on the coalface.

I think the Cabinet Secretary has given us a fair summary of the situation. There are positives, and she was right to refer to those, and particularly this focus on the culture that is developing now in terms of more emphasis on self-improvement and collaboration between schools. Although it is perhaps something that's at a very early stage, it is certainly taking us in the direction that we would wish to travel in.