Gwynedd: Fears Welsh teaching plan will hit recruitment
The comments were made during a debate over the draft revised education language policy last week.The council is aiming for 70% of lessons to be taught in Welsh but the branch secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), Elise Poulter, has raised concerns over training, funding and the impact on the Welsh language immersion system.Welsh is already the predominant medium of teaching for across Gwynedd, but schools including Bangor's Ysgol Friars, Catholic primary Our Lady's School and Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn, are "transitioning" towards full Welsh medium provision.
Ms Poulter asked the education and economy scrutiny committee meeting if there was provision for teachers who do not teach in Welsh to go on courses to "up-skill".Report author Rhys Meredydd Glyn, head of Gwynedd's immersion education system, said the council was "collaborating with" the National Centre for Learning Welsh.Some courses were "tailored" for teachers in specific schools and there would also be tutors appointed for a catchment or school cluster, as well as courses geared towards teaching different subjects in Welsh, he said. Children coming from non-Welsh speaking areas could also be referred to the immersion education system, but he acknowledged it needed "the capacity to accept incomers and late comers".
'We will have to be patient'
Mr Meredydd Glyn said there were "a wide range of courses available from the national centre" but Ms Poulter said she feared these measures would not stem the numbers of people leaving teaching."I do think we have to be realistic, in teaching we have a retention and recruitment crisis," she said."We want really really good teachers. I think any teacher who comes here would welcome the opportunity to learn Welsh fluently... But it will take time."Councillor Dewi Jones agreed that recruiting teachers was a "general problem".After the meeting, Ms Poulter told the Local Democracy Reporting Serviceday-release programme for this, with payment for staff cover" to achieve the goal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
22 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Welsh language activism 'no different' to Palestine Action 'terrorism' ex police boss says
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A retired police chief and former Welsh language campaigner has slammed the authorities for their approach to banned group Palestine Action. Arfon Jones drew parallels with historic Welsh language campaigns in which scores of activists were arrested for non-violent direct action. Mr Jones, from Wrexham, said he was among those who, in the 1970s, campaigned for Welsh language rights as members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society). 'Some were imprisoned for their activities,' he said. 'None, however, were stigmatised by the British state as terrorists!' On July 5, the UK Government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist group after members of the network damaged RAF aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. Under the Terrorism Act of 2000, it made group membership a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Since then, police have arrested scores of people for showing support to Palestine Action. Last weekend alone, 474 people were arrested during a 'Lift the Ban' sit-in at Parliament Square (Saturday, August 9). The demonstration had echoes of the first ever protest staged by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg: in February 1963, members staged a sit-down blocking Pont Trefechan bridge, Aberystwyth. From demanding the right to court summonses in Welsh, the society moved on to campaign successfully for bilingual road signs followed by action over holiday homes and Welsh language media. Over the decades, more than 1,000 supporters of the society appeared before the courts, making it Britain's largest protest group since the Suffragettes. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Geoff Charles/National Library of Wales/Wiki) Some members were jailed but none were ever officially labelled terrorists by the government, said Mr Jones, a former Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Police. He also served as an operational inspector at the force before retiring in 2008, and now describes himself as a "social issues commentator". In a letter to the Daily Post he wrote: 'What language campaigners were doing in the 60s, 70s and 80s was no different to what Palestine Action was doing prior to it being proscribed for protesting against a genocide the British state is complicit in. 'Both were using non-violent, direct action against property, and proscription was unreasonable, unjustified and disproportionate. 'This comparison gives some indication of how far the British state has moved from a social democratic tolerant and progressive state in the 1970s, to a right-wing autocratic and oppressive state in 2025, where a Nazi salute is tolerated but protesting a genocide is not. 'The Home Secretary and the Police Service should hang their heads in shame for harassing and arresting honourable and principled individuals who are willing to sacrifice their freedom for the cause of humanity.' The Home Office was approached for a response. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said many people were not aware of the 'reality' of Palestine Action's true purpose. In the wake of the ongoing Gaza war, the group has become more active but it insists its approach is "non-violent". The Home Secretary said: 'The right to protest is one we protect fiercely but this is very different from displaying support for this one specific and narrow, proscribed organisation. "Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage. "It also follows an assessment from the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre that the group prepares for terrorism, as well as concerning information referencing plans and ideas for further attacks, the details of which cannot yet be publicly reported due to ongoing legal proceedings. 'Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear - this is not a non-violent organisation. UK national security and public safety must always be our top priority. 'Their actions are not about the horrific suffering in the Middle East and do not reflect or represent the thousands of people across the country who are exercising their rights to protest peacefully.' The National Police Chiefs' Council, and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, were also approached for a comment. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
The Herald Scotland
37 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
PM leads tributes to Welsh Labour politician who died suddenly aged 47
Prime Minister Sir Keir called him a 'powerful voice for the people of Wales', who dedicated his life to making sure every community in the country had the 'opportunities they deserve'. Mr David's death was first confirmed by Eluned Morgan, the Welsh First Minister, who described him as a 'much-loved member of the Labour family' and an 'outstanding politician'. His partner was Vikki Howells, the Cynon Valley MS and minister for further and higher education in the Welsh Government. In a statement following Mr David's death, Sir Keir said: 'The entire Labour movement will join me in grieving the loss of Hefin David. 'He was a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant, who dedicated his life to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve. 'As Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, where he was born and lived, he was incredibly proud of his community. 'Our hearts are with his family and those who knew and loved him at this painful time. May he rest in peace.' Statement by Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales on the passing of Hefin David MS. — Eluned Morgan (@PrifWeinidog) August 13, 2025 Baroness Morgan said: 'Hefin was a much-loved member of the Labour family. He served Caerphilly as a councillor and a Member of the Senedd with pride and passion. 'He was an outstanding politician, warm and enthusiastic and a great communicator – especially on behalf of his constituents. He will be greatly missed.' Mr David was first elected to Caerphilly County Borough Council at a by-election in March 2007. He worked as a senior lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, teaching human resource management and professional practice to undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 2016, he was elected as Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly – succeeding Labour's Jeff Cuthbert, who became police and crime commissioner for Gwent. He served as one of the five Senedd commissioners, who are responsible for providing the Welsh Parliament with the staff and resources needed. Gwent Police confirmed a 47-year-old man was found unresponsive at a property in the Caerphilly county area on Tuesday. Paramedics attended and confirmed the man had died. His death is not being treated as suspicious. Tributes have been paid by politicians across the Senedd, with former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies calling it 'heartbreaking and tragic news'. Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, said he was 'deeply shocked and saddened' at the news. 'Hefin represented his constituency with tireless dedication,' he said. 'He brought passion, energy, and independence of thought to Senedd proceedings and our parliament will be poorer without him.' Laura Anne Jones, who recently defected from the Conservatives to Reform, described Mr David as a 'genuinely lovely person'. She said: 'Regardless of political differences, we got on well. He always had time for a kind word, a smile or a funny anecdote. 'He always cared greatly for his constituents, fought hard for what he believed in and I admired him for his passion to improve additional learning needs policy, drawing on his experiences. 'He contributed greatly to politics in Wales, and will be missed greatly, politically and personally, in the Senedd.' Hefin David was described as a 'passionate politician, loyal to his party, his country and constituents' (Geoff Caddick/PA) Elin Jones, the Senedd's Llywydd (presiding officer), said the Senedd community was devastated at the said: 'Our thoughts go immediately to his partner, our colleague and friend, Vikki Howells MS and to his cherished children and family. 'Hefin was so full of life and enthusiasm for his constituents and their causes. 'He was a passionate politician, loyal to his party, his country and constituents.' Gwent Police Chief Constable Mark Hobrough called Mr David a 'dedicated public servant to Caerphilly' whose loss would be significant. A spokesperson for Cardiff Metropolitan University, where Mr David had been a lecturer prior to becoming an MS, said: 'Anyone that met Hefin, whether it was a brief chat or a longer connection, will know of his considerable commitment to education. 'He would, rightly, talk with pride about his path in higher education: from undergraduate through to senior academic. And it was that journey that gave him such an understanding of the need to make sure that education works for all. To make sure that his path could be taken by all, rather than the preserve of a privileged few.'
Leader Live
38 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Welsh Labour MS Hefin David has died suddenly, First Minister says
Eluned Morgan, the Welsh Labour leader, paid tribute to the Caerphilly MS, who has been a member of the Welsh Parliament since 2016. Baroness Morgan described Mr David as a 'much-loved' member of the Labour family, who will be greatly missed. Statement by Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales on the passing of Hefin David MS. — Eluned Morgan (@PrifWeinidog) August 13, 2025 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called him a 'powerful voice for the people of Wales', who dedicated his life to making sure every community in the country had the 'opportunities they deserve'. Mr David's partner was Vikki Howells, the Cynon Valley MS and minister for further and higher education in the Welsh Government. Baroness Morgan said: 'We are extremely saddened by the sudden death of Hefin. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time. 'Hefin was a much-loved member of the Labour family. He served Caerphilly as a councillor and a Member of the Senedd with pride and passion. 'He was an outstanding politician, warm and enthusiastic and a great communicator – especially on behalf of his constituents. He will be greatly missed.' In a statement following Mr David's death, Sir Keir said: 'The entire Labour movement will join me in grieving the loss of Hefin David. 'He was a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant, who dedicated his life to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve. 'As Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, where he was born and lived, he was incredibly proud of his community. 'Our hearts are with his family and those who knew and loved him at this painful time. May he rest in peace.' Mr David, who was born in the Caerphilly constituency, was elected to Caerphilly County Borough Council at a by-election in March 2007. He worked as a senior lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, teaching human resource management and professional practice to undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 2016, he was elected as Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly – succeeding Labour's Jeff Cuthbert, who became police and crime commissioner for Gwent. Gwent Police said a 47-year-old man was found unresponsive at a property in the Caerphilly county area on Tuesday. Paramedics attended and confirmed the man had died. His death is not being treated as suspicious. Tributes have been paid to Mr David by politicians across the Senedd, with former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies calling it 'heartbreaking and tragic news'. Delyth Jewell, Plaid MS for the South Wales East region, said: 'The news about Hefin David is so desperately tragic. Hefin was always steadfast in his views, loyal to his roots, and he represented this area diligently. 'We were from different parties but worked together on many local issues. I will miss him. What a sad and dreadful loss.' Gwent Police Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: 'My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all of Hefin's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time for them. 'After I joined Gwent Police as the chief superintendent for the area covering Caerphilly, I worked closely with Hefin on many occasions and I found him to be an engaging and thoughtful individual. 'A dedicated public servant to Caerphilly, his commitment to our communities will be a significant loss.'
