More consistency needed in managing learner complaints in further education institutions
Complaints procedures in further education institutions are generally clearly documented and comprehensive, although there is too much inconsistency between institutions in how complaints are managed. Differences also exist between institutions in the way in which they define what constitutes a complaint and in the extent to which they provide information to learners about how to make a complaint. In the survey Estyn did not find any institution with a quality assurance system to ensure that complaints are handled to a consistent standard across the institution. Read more >
Chief Inspector bids farewell
As Ann Keane prepares to leave Estyn after over 5 years as Chief Inspector and 31 years at the inspectorate, she would like to express her thanks. Read more >
Inspectors highlight primary schools’ strengths in the creative arts
Estyn has highlighted a number of primary schools across Wales that are leading the way in the creative arts and whose approaches should be shared and applied more widely. Read more >
Nursery settings need stronger support for teaching and learning
Early years advisory teachers can make a significant impact on the standards children achieve, but they do not spend enough time modelling good teaching during their visits to settings, according to an Estyn report published today. Inspectors found that a majority of advisory teachers provide more support for management and administration than they do for teaching and learning. Read more >
Good practice identified in mathematics, but challenges remain for secondary schools
Pupils make good progress in their mathematical reasoning when they are involved in problem solving, according to an Estyn report published today. Pupils involved in regular problem solving activities are able to understand real-life problems better and choose appropriate ways to tackle increasingly complex mathematical problems. Read more >
Appointment of next Chief Inspector announced
We are very pleased to announce that Meilyr Rowlands HMI will be the next Chief Inspector of Estyn. He will be appointed Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales on June 1st 2015. Read more >
Chief Inspector reports some improvement in education, but significant challenges remain
The performance of education in Wales is showing some signs of improvement, according to the Chief Inspector’s Annual Report 2013-2014, published today. Attendance rates are improving, whilst the proportion of pupils who are persistently absent is declining. The gap in performance between pupils eligible for free school meals and other pupils is narrowing slightly and the proportion of young people not in education, employment or training declined this year. Read more >
Improving literacy in secondary schools remains a challenge
Although provision for the development of literacy in key stage 3 remains adequate overall, there has been some progress in implementing the Literacy and Numeracy Framework. Most teachers have an improved awareness of the need to develop pupils’ literacy skills and now include literacy in their subject plans. Many schools offer more opportunities for pupils to produce extended pieces of writing across the curriculum. Read more >
The take-up of apprenticeships by learners in Wales needs improving
An Estyn survey of the reasons that discourage learners from applying for apprenticeships shows that 25% of work-based learning providers believe that language and cultural issues can be barriers to taking up apprenticeships, especially for black and minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities. Read more >
Learners benefit from shaping their education
Providers of adult and community learning and work-based learning are doing more to involve their learners in shaping the curriculum, resources and facilities, according to an Estyn report published today. Read more >