Posted on: Wednesday 24 January 2024
During January, Estyn inspectors visited Torfaen Council to conduct a monitoring visit as a follow up to the core inspection which took place in March 2022.
The Estyn team were on site for three days to consider progress against recommendation 1, which is: to improve outcomes for learners, particularly in secondary schools.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education said: “This is another positive inspection letter which highlights that our Chief Executive and Strategic Director for Children and Families continue to drive improvements across education services. The council are now holding schools and support services to account more effectively for their work which is helping secure better outcomes for pupils.”
The council’s Director of Education, Dr Andrew Powles, said: “We now have a clear vision for school and service improvement, underpinned by our high expectations and increased levels of accountability. It is really pleasing that inspectors noted our stronger relationships with schools and our focus on improving school attendance.”
Torfaen’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Vickers, said: “We made several significant changes within the whole school system which are now collectively improving outcomes for pupils. Quite rightly the inspectors have highlighted some areas which are a concern, and they will remain the focus for our ‘Team around the school approach’ to improve outcomes. We will not let up with our constant challenge to drive improvement.”
The next monitoring visit will take place in the summer term of 2024.
Click here to view the Estyn Monitoring letter.