10. Debate: The Estyn Annual Report 2021-22

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:54 pm on 21 March 2023.

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Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 5:54, 21 March 2023

Well, that's a very important point. It's a part of our ongoing discussions with the inspectorate. He will know that the reforms that the inspectorate have undertaken in Wales have moved away the focus of accountability in schools from that single, summative judgment, which is where, often, some of the tensions have arisen, and we, I think, have seen some of the consequences of that elsewhere. What we know from those discussions is that heads and the inspectorate have been able to have much richer, much more supportive conversations, recognising both the strengths and the areas of challenge for a school, and that, when those reports are issued, they reflect the breadth of that picture rather than focusing on one or two, often, words. And I think that has created, and is beginning to create, a much more constructive culture in our schools, which I know that he would also support. 

I'm pleased that we've been able to increase funding to Estyn to enable the inspectorate to complete the inspection of all schools in the current cycle by July 2024. And in conclusion, Llywydd, as the debate today has reflected, we are all of course aware of the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, and the importance of alleviating the impact of poverty on educational attainment. Just in the way that a number of speakers have said today, it's only by working together at all levels of the education system, and also in this Chamber, that we will succeed in giving the best possible education to every single learner in Wales.