Estyn says schools still feeling impact of Covid pandemic
The Chief Inspector's annual report is out today
Estyn's annual report into standards in schools across Wales says the Welsh education system needs to improve.
The pandemic, and a lack of 'suitably qualified staff' is being blamed.
Today's report by Estyn's Chief Inspector says 'curriculum reform' remains a challenge - and while there's positive news about schools adapting - more needs to be done.
Owen Evans, Chief Inspector, says, "Despite the continued effort to tackle the after-effects of the pandemic, there has been a considerable emphasis on developing a new curriculum in schools.
"What we are seeing from our inspection activity and other engagement with schools is that the most successful leaders have continued to relentlessly emphasise the quality of teaching and its impact on learning.
"This helps them to address many of their current challenges, including curriculum reform.
"Teachers should rely on their own teaching skills and experience to make that difference and use available resources, such as the self-evaluation prompts in my Annual Report and the Welsh Government guidance on the Curriculum for Wales.’
Owen Evans continues, ‘Alleviating the impact of poverty on educational attainment is of huge importance. The work of schools and other providers is only one part of the solution to tackling child poverty, but they can play an important role.
"Today’s report has valuable examples of how providers who are particularly effective in this area tackle its impact."