Latest news with #Estyn
Powys County Times
7 hours ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Staff at 'homely' Powys daycare celebrate perfect inspection
A Powys children's day care was labelled 'warm, caring and homely' in a perfect inspection report. Staff at Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr, a Welsh-medium early-years setting in Rhayader, are 'absolutely delighted' after receiving the highest rating of 'Excellent' across all areas in a recent joint inspection by Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). The day care was praised for its outstanding provision in well-being, learning, care and development, teaching, environment, and leadership. Inspectors were so impressed Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr has been invited to share its best practices nationally through case studies on its outdoor learning and community partnerships. In their report, CIW Inspectors said: 'Nearly all children feel happy and very safe at the setting and know that every practitioner respects them. 'They have a very strong sense of belonging and a strong voice and feel confident expressing how they wish to use the environment 'Practitioners ensure that children's health and well-being are a priority. They are very conscientious and effective when planning a good variety of activities which have a positive impact on children's development. Inspectors noted that children at the setting were happy, confident, and thriving, with excellent opportunities to explore, play, and learn both indoors and in the setting's exceptional outdoor environment. The report also commended the team's nurturing approach, strong community links, and commitment to promoting Welsh culture and language. Inspectors also praised the work of the leadership at the daycare and said: 'The leader leads the setting very effectively, and child welfare is at the heart of every aspect of work. She has a clear vision for the setting and shares it effectively with practitioners, parents and the community. 'The setting's statement of purpose provides an accurate picture of the service provided. The leader has high expectations for herself, the practitioners and the children, ensuring that everyone is given the necessary support to realise their potential.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Claire Evans, Responsible Individual at Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr, praised the work of the entire staff. She said: 'We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the inspection. This report is a testament to the dedication, passion, and teamwork of our staff, the support of our families, and the joy and curiosity of our children. 'We are especially proud that our commitment to Welsh language, community values, and child-led learning has been recognised so strongly. We look forward to continuing to grow and inspire.'
Leader Live
20 hours ago
- General
- Leader Live
Flintshire Catholic 'super-school' consultation now open
After a number of delays and growing opposition from parents at two of the schools affected, the period for people to have their say on the plans has been formally opened. The public have until July 18 to submit their views on the proposals, which involve closing St Anthony''s Catholic Primary School in Saltney, St David's in Mold, St Mary's in Flint plus Flint's St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School. They would be replaced by a £55 million catholic 'super-school' on the site of St Richard Gwyn and St Mary's for pupils aged 3-18. Under the plans St Anthony's would be closed from August 31, 2026 while the other three schools will continue to operate as a single 3-18 school across three sites until the new school building project is completed. The intention is to apply to the Welsh Government's Sustainable Communities Fund to cover 85% of the cost of the new school with the Diocese of Wrexham contributing 15% through the transfer of land at St Anthony's and St David's. Since the proposals were announced in February parents at St David's and St Anthony's have been vocal in their opposition to the plans - raising concerns over safeguarding, safe travel to school and the impact on pupils' quality of life and education. All four schools are facing building maintenance costs, with St Richard Gwyn requiring £430,000 of investment, St Mary's in need of just over £253,000, St David's requiring over £90,000 and St Anthony's in need of £16,300 of work. In the consultation documents the reasons for the proposals are that those costs, coupled with the fact that each affected primary school is currently under-occupied and the falling birth rate, mean keeping the existing schools open is not financially viable. Members of the public can have their say by visiting Flintshire County Council's website and clicking on the Consultation and Engagement page link. Read more: Bishop greeted by silent protest against catholic super-school plans in Buckley Parents action group challenges Flintshire catholic super-school data 'Senseless' - Flintshire parents slam catholic super-school report Taxpayer-funded Flint catholic super-school will be owned by church if approved Opposing the move, St David's School Action Group and the parents of pupils at St Anthony's have pointed to their schools' good Estyn ratings, quality of education and SEN provision. They have raised concerns over the increased distances children will need to travel - St Anthony's is more than six miles from its nearest catholic primary school Venerable Edward Morgan Catholic Primary in Shotton and around 14 miles from the proposed 'super-school'. St David's is almost six miles from both Venerable Edward Morgan and new 'super-school' site. They have also cited the excellent SEN provision that both schools currently provide and have questioned whether in a larger school children would receive the same attention and care they need to thrive. Flintshire County Council will compile all feedback from the consultation and review it through September and October, with a view to publishing a statutory notice in October or November. There will then follow a one-month objection period where further feedback on the proposals will be sought with the final decision expected between January and March 2026.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
What inspectors say about the 12 Cardiff schools they've visited this year
What inspectors say about the 12 Cardiff schools they've visited this year Two were put into special measures and two were taken out of Estyn review Tongwynlais Primary School was taken out of Estyn review this year after improvements It's been a busy year in Cardiff's primary schools and inspectors have been out and about to assess how well the city's education system is performing. Cardiff is the largest local education authority in Wales and this academic year 12 Cardiff schools have had full Estyn inspections. As a result two have been put into the highest level of Estyn monitoring, two have improved enough to be removed from Estyn review, and one is so good that inspectors made no recommendations for how it could improve when they visited. A feature of many schools is inclusivity, which inspectors note. They assessed how well schools are doing developing their own curricula as well as scrutinising key subjects like literacy and numeracy. One word summaries were removed from Estyn inspections some time ago and each report gives a more nuanced analysis of standards in schools. As the academic year comes to a close and staff, pupils, and parents look to the new year, and perhaps new schools, we've look at how the 12 Cardiff schools inspected in the 2024-2025 academic year were judged by inspectors. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Mount Stuart Primary Mount Stuart Primary School in Butetown (Image: Google ) Article continues below Inspectors say this primary in Butetown is a "welcoming and inclusive school with a clear vision that brings staff, pupils, and parents together". Inspectors praised the school's strong values of respect, resilience, and creativity. After visiting in March this year Estyn highlighted the school's diverse curriculum which it said showed a strong commitment to anti-racism and diversity. The school leadership leads professional learning that helps staff to gain understanding of best practice in diversity in and out of school. The watchdog said that Mount Stuart's curriculum strongly reflects its diverse community and plan lessons to represent all cultures and religions. It is of course the old school of Betty Campbell – the first black head teacher in Wales. Mount Stuart has 433 pupils with 56.8% speaking English as an additional language, 3.6% with special educational needs, and 41.3% eligible for free school meals. The school's success in promoting inclusion and academic progress was noted as a key strength by inspectors. Helen Borley has been head teacher since 2017. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Estyn said: "Leaders have high expectations for pupils' language and communication skills. Staff model multiple languages, creating a supportive environment, which helps most pupils to develop confidence in speaking. A structured approach to literacy ensures that most pupils make strong progress in reading and writing. "Teachers provide suitable opportunities for pupils to develop their mathematical skills. Most make good progress in number work but have fewer chances to apply their understanding to problem-solving or across the curriculum. Younger pupils learn basic Welsh vocabulary, while many older pupils use the language to ask and answer simple questions." Estyn praised the school for: Positive relationships between staff, pupils, and families, creating a strong sense of community. Its diverse and engaging curriculum, including standout opportunities in the arts. Commitment to diversity and anti-racism, with staff providing training support to other schools. High expectations for language and communication skills, supported by the school's multilingual environment. Well-structured and nurturing early years provision that fosters independence and curiosity in young learners Estyn said the school needed to do more work on: Ensuring pupils apply numeracy skills across the curriculum Broadening the range of digital skills pupils can access Improving pupil attendance St Joseph's Church in Wales Primary, Gabalfa St Joseph's RC. Primary School in Gabalfa was praised for its strong pupil progress and inclusive ethos by inspectors who visited in February this year. Their report highlighted excellent behaviour and attitudes of learners across all year groups. Inspectors described the school as a "vibrant, inclusive, and nurturing environment" where nearly all pupils feel safe and supported. The quality of teaching and the school's commitment to pupil wellbeing were praised. The report also noted the school's "Learning Squad" which inspectors said has an impact on improving assessment and helping pupils to take ownership of their progress. St Joseph's has 229 pupils, 23.5% of whom are eligible for free school meals, 25.7% speak English as an additional language, and 2% have additional learning needs. Alexandra Riordan retired as head teacher in April. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Estyn said nearly all pupils make strong progress in reading and writing and apply them confidently. Most pupils have strong digital skills too. But inspectors said that while most pupils make strong progress in acquiring maths skills opportunities to apply these across all areas of the curriculum is limited. The Criw Cymraeg actively promote the use of the Welsh language through their assemblies, their roles as monitors, and in the playground. As a result many pupils are confident in their use of incidental Welsh around the school. Estyn praised the school for: "Exemplary" behaviour and conduct of children Warm and positive relationships Good rates of progress overall "Rich and stimulating" curriculum Estyn said the school needed to do more work on: Improving opportunities for older pupils to develop their independent learning skills Ensuring independent learning experiences for younger pupils support their developmental needs Improve opportunities for pupils to apply their numeracy skills in their work across the curriculum St Mellons Church in Wales Primary This Church in Wales school was put into the highest level of Estyn monitoring after inspectors visited in February this year. Putting St Mellons Church in Wales Primary into special measures their report said: "Over the past year the school has experienced significant changes including moving to a new building, a rapid increase in pupil numbers, and changes in leadership. In September 2024 an interim executive head teacher was seconded to the school. The new leadership arrangements have had a positive impact but their long-term stability is uncertain." The school has 109 pupils with 18.9% eligible for free school meals and 6.4% using English as an additional language. There was no data for numbers of pupils with additional educational needs on the latest inspection report. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Estyn said "many pupils start school with skills appropriate for their age" but added: "While they develop speaking and listening skills well many pupils' progress in reading, writing and Welsh is limited. Many younger pupils are not yet sufficiently confident in applying new phonic skills to supporting their reading and writing. Only the oldest pupils use reading effectively for learning. Welsh language development slows as pupils move through the school and many older pupils struggle to retain simple words and phrases in Welsh." Estyn praised the school for: Leaders and staff have created a calm and positive learning environment and most pupils behave well. Leaders have established a strong safeguarding culture. They monitor attendance closely. The new leadership team has established a strong vision for school improvement. Most pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning. Estyn said the school needed to do more work on: Securing long-term leadership arrangements and improving leadership capacity at all levels including that of the governing body. Improving quality of teaching. Improving pupils' skills in Welsh, reading, and writing. Improving attendance of pupils at risk of the impact of poverty. Stacey Primary Estyn praises this primary in Adamsdown for what it said is its nurturing environment, strong leadership, and focus on improving pupil outcomes. After visiting in October 2024 inspectors found the school has a commitment to providing a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive learning environment that "supports all pupils". Most pupils start Stacey Primary's nursery class with skills below those expected for their age but during their time in the school most pupils, including those from less-well-off families, those with English as an additional language (EAL), and pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) "make at least good progress from their starting points". Inspectors said the school has a calm and positive community and pupils have strong relationships with adults. Stacey Primary has 200 pupils and 36% are eligible for free school meals, 51% have English as an additional language, and 9% identify as having additional learning needs. The head teacher is Emma Vokes. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Inspectors found that teachers "plan purposeful opportunities for pupils to apply their literacy and numeracy skills across the curriculum, preparing them well to be able to apply these skills in real-life situations". But they said that "inconsistencies in the teaching of maths" mean a minority of pupils struggle to progress without adult support. The school's strategic planning takes good account of national priorities such as developing pupils' Welsh language speaking skills and older pupils use Welsh "with confidence". Estyn praised the school for: A nurturing and supportive learning environment that helps pupils progress, particularly from low starting points. Strong leadership and high expectations contributing to a culture of improvement. Effective opportunities for pupils to learn about Wales, their local community, and develop respect for cultural diversity and equality. Teachers' skilful use of questioning and feedback to assess progress and extend learning. Improving oracy skills. Estyn said the school needed to do more work on: Improving consistency in teaching to ensure the effective development of pupils' maths and independent learning skills. Ensuring the learning environment in younger classes provides effective opportunities for pupils to explore and practise their skills. St Cadoc's Primary Inspectors who visited this voluntary-aided Catholic primary in Llanrumney in December 2024 found it "welcoming and inclusive". In its report Estyn highlighted the school's strong leadership, positive learning culture, and effective teaching practices. Inspectors commended the school for its "happy and safe environment" where pupils thrive, behave exceptionally well, and form strong relationships. Inspectors found that most lessons feature clear and effective teaching and learning. Pupils, including those eligible for free school meals or with additional learning needs, make good progress overall. There are 366 pupils at the school and 41.1% are eligible for free school meals while 19.2% have English as an additional language and 5.5% have additional learning needs. The head teacher Rachael Fisher was appointed in April 2022. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Inspectors found the school has "a systematic approach to teaching maths that engages pupils well and ensures that they make good progress". Estyn said that "over time most pupils make good progress in developing their reading and writing skills". They found that most pupils to make "strong progress in most areas" including in the Welsh language. Estyn praised the school for: Positive relationships between pupils and with older pupils also regularly supporting younger peers. Effective reaching. Focus on literacy. Estyn said the school needs to do more work on: Enhancing the curriculum to better develop pupils' creativity and ability to innovate, particularly within the expressive arts. Further improve foundation phase learning, including teaching of early literacy skills, to ensure sustained progress among younger pupils. St Fagans Church in Wales Primary This Church in Wales Primary in Michaelston-super-Ely was praised for its academic excellence and inclusive environment in its latest report from Estyn after inspectors visited in September 2024. They found good attitudes to learning and excellent behaviour among most pupils. The report highlights what the watchdog said is the school's strong nurturing culture and commitment to pupil wellbeing. Inspectors said children feel safe, happy, and respected and nearly all pupils develop excellent attitudes toward learning and exemplary behaviour. The school has 205 pupils 17.6% are eligible for free school meals while 11% have English as an additional language and 5% have additional learning needs. The head teacher is Ceri Hawkins. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Inspectors said staff develop pupils' literacy skills well. They promote a love of reading and develop pupils' speaking, listening, and their writing skills successfully. Most pupils "develop as confident and skilful mathematicians and use their numeracy skills in a range of purposeful activities across the curriculum". On a less positive note Estyn found that "across the school pupils' Welsh and digital skills are underdeveloped." Estyn praised the school for: Inclusive culture and nurturing, caring environment. A curriculum that engages pupils and provides meaningful learning. Most staff using effective feedback to enable pupils to evaluate and improve their work. Excellent behaviour and attitudes to learning. Estyn said the school needs to do more work on: Improving pupils' digital and Welsh language skills. Providing more opportunities for pupils to exercise choice in their learning and fostering greater independence. Ysgol Y Berllan Deg Pupils from Ysgol Y Berllan Deg in Llanedeyrn supporting the Wales football team (Image: Cardiff Council ) This Welsh-medium primary in Llanedeyrn was described as a "happy community" where respect and Welsh identity are valued after inspectors visited in March this year. Pupils across the school behave kindly and maturely, Estyn said. Most pupils make good progress and show positive attitudes to learning. Governors are "hands-on" in school life and work "enthusiastically to improve the wider community's understanding of the benefits of Welsh-language education". On a less positive note Estyn found that "the history of school improvement is inconsistent". The school has 388 pupils and 5.7% are eligible for free school meals and 1.7% have additional needs. The head teacher is Mari Phillips. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Estyn said: "The school places a strong emphasis on developing pupils' Welsh language skills, ensuring that Welsh is a natural part of everyday life. It also supports parents with Welsh lessons to promote the use of the language at home. " The watchdog said mathematics and literacy skills are developed effectively. Estyn praised the school for: Staff commitment to "providing rich learning experiences including educational visits and creative activities such as theatre projects and opportunities to perform". Most pupils show positive attitudes to learning. Teachers cooperate closely and plan interesting learning activities. Pupils across the school behave kindly and maturely. Estyn said the school needs to do more work on: Strengthening strategic leadership and improve self-evaluation. Providing regular opportunities for pupils to take responsibility for their learning and develop them as independent learners. Ensuring consistency in effective teaching practices and raise staff's expectations to provide a consistent challenge for all pupils. Willows High School Willows head teacher Chris Norman Estyn says this secondary school in Tremorfa has a welcoming community, a commitment to diversity, and a focus on creating a positive learning environment. The curriculum emphasises understanding diversity and other cultures and pupils generally make good progress across subjects, inspectors found when they visited in November 2024 . The school has 808 pupils, 54.8% of whom are eligible for free school meals while 8% have additional learning needs. Chris Norman is the long-standing head teacher of the school. Work is under way to build a brand-new Willows High School, which is expected to open next year. The £60m development will see the school rebuilt and relocated to accommodate 900 learners in addition to a 30-place special resource base for pupils with complex learning needs. With completion due in the 2026-27 academic year the new school will provide comprehensive sports facilities including a sports hall, gym, drama studio, and grass pitches which will be available for public use outside of school hours. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh A high proportion of pupils enter Willows with reading skills well below what would be expected for their age, Estyn found. As a result the school has "made a determined effort to establish a strong reading culture and exploit all opportunities to develop pupils' reading skills", inspectors said. Many pupils "organise their writing coherently" but in a few subjects pupils produce only short pieces of writing and around half of pupils make basic errors in spelling punctuation and grammar.. The majority of pupils have a suitable grasp of number skills. A minority have strong numeracy skills. Overall pupils do not have sufficient opportunities to develop their Welsh-speaking skills. In addition only around half of pupils are entered for a GCSE Welsh qualification. Estyn praised the school for: Strong relationships between pupils and staff. High expectations for engagement and behaviour. Inclusive environment and strong safeguarding culture. Clear strategies for monitoring and supporting attendance which has resulted in improved rates of attendance. Estyn said the school needs to do more work on: Ensuring that teaching consistently challenges pupils to make strong progress. Ensuring that self-evaluation processes are precise. Increasing the number of pupils who complete a Welsh language GCSE qualification and improve pupils' Welsh language speaking skills. Ysgol Bro Edern Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern This Welsh-medium school in the Llanedeyrn area of Cardiff was put into the highest level of Estyn monitoring in May. Placing the school in special measures inspectors said pupils speak English too much. Many pupils "struggle to convey ideas in Welsh" and respond to teachers and assistants in English, inspectors found when they visited. Less than a quarter of children at the school speak Welsh at home. Estyn said: "In a minority of lessons teachers promote the use of the Welsh language by pupils effectively." The school has 936 pupils and of those 20.2% are eligible for free school meals and 2.7% have additional needs. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh In general pupils at Bro Edern don't make strong enough progress in their literacy skills, inspectors said. While a majority of pupils write fairly fluently and accurately a minority make frequent grammatical and spelling errors in their work and mutate incorrectly. "Overall, pupils do not make enough progress in their oracy, reading and writing skills." A few pupils have strong numeracy skills. A few pupils have weak number skills. A majority of pupils demonstrate a firm grasp of number concepts. Estyn praised the school for: "A strong sense of belonging and providing a close-knit family environment for its pupils." Sound provision for pupils' wellbeing. A "host of" engaging extracurricular activities available. Sports teams' national success in several areas. Providing "valuable experiences to develop pupils' understanding of diversity and prejudice". Many pupils treat each other and adults with fairness and respect. Estyn said the school needs to do more work on: Improving strategic leadership and accountability at all levels. Ensuring that governors offer an appropriate challenge to leaders. Strengthening the quality of teaching. Strengthening pupils' literacy skills and their willingness to use the Welsh language. Improving attendance and punctuality to lessons. Fitzalan High Ed Sheeran surprised pupils at a Fitzalan High School in Cardiff when he turned up to perform in September (Image: Ed Sheeran Foundation ) Inspectors describe this secondary school in the Canton area of the city as highly caring and inclusive. Pupils make "sound progress" and it is particularly effective in celebrating its diverse community. Most pupils feel safe, valued, and respected and the school is particularly effective in tailoring its provision to meet individual needs, including those of its most vulnerable pupils, Estyn found. The acting head teacher is Adam Lear. The school has 1,830 pupils and 36.6% are eligible for free school meals and 9.3% have additional learning needs. Literacy, numeracy and Welsh Estyn said: "There are numerous worthwhile opportunities for pupils to develop their literacy and numeracy skills across the curriculum. The provision to support the progressive development of these skills is well-planned and coordinated and is supported appropriately in relevant subjects." Many pupils develop their numeracy skills well. A minority of pupils have strong numeracy skills. "The school is successful in addressing national priorities, for example by reducing the impact of poverty on attainment and promoting the development of pupils' Welsh-language skills." Estyn praised the school for: Many pupils listen well and respond suitably to the contributions of others. In nearly all lessons teachers ask suitable questions to check pupils' understanding. Purposeful and productive relationships between pupils and staff are a prominent feature of the school. The school's work is characterised by high expectations, strong leadership, reflective self-evaluation, and close links with its local community. Estyn said the school needs to do more work on: Inspectors made just one recommendation after visiting in January this year. They said Fitzalan should strengthen provision for the development of pupils' digital skills across the curriculum. Creigiau Primary Estyn describes this village primary in the city boundaries as "an extremely caring and familial community that is an important part of its community". The school teaches in both English and Welsh. Inspectors visiting in January this year added that behaviour is excellent and children feel happy and safe. The school's motto is "Together we stand" which inspectors said "reflects the familial and supportive element across the two language streams, where everyone respects and supportseach other continuously". The school has 367 pupils and of those 6.8% are eligible for free school meals and 2.9% have additional learning needs. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Inspectors said most pupils, including those with additional learning needs, English as an additional language, and those affected by poverty, make sound progress in their literacy, numeracy, digital competence, and wider skills. Estyn praised the school for: Staff prepare pupils successfully for the next steps in their learning The school tracks pupils' progress successfully Nearly all pupils trust the staff and behave excellently The school's procedures to ensure that pupils attend school regularly are sound Estyn said the school needs top do more work on: Inspectors, unusually, made no specific comments on how the school could improve in its January 2025 report. Lansdowne Primary Lansdowne Primary (Image: Media Wales Ltd ) Estyn describes this primary in the Canton area of the city as a welcoming and inclusive school where pupils feel valued and supported. Staff build strong relationships with pupils. This contributes to a positive environment where pupils behave well and focus on their learning. Inspectors who visited in January this year said Lansdowne Primary is a nurturing and inclusive school where respect and diversity "shape daily life". Pupils feel safe, supported, and encouraged to succeed. The school has 320 pupils and 38.8% are eligibly for free school meals and 5.1% have additional learning needs. Literacy, numeracy, and Welsh Estyn said: "Younger pupils develop Welsh skills well, although older pupils do not use the language as much outside lessons. "Reading is a strength. Most pupils enjoy books and talk about their reading enthusiastically. "Pupils develop their writing well, using grammar and spelling accurately. "Most make appropriate progress in maths. However, the quality of teaching in maths varies." Estyn praised the school for: Staff building strong relationships with pupils. A positive environment where pupils behave well and focus on their learning. A broad and interesting curriculum. Pupils make good progress. Estyn said the school needs to do more work on: Improving maths teaching and providing opportunities for pupils to apply numeracy skills across the curriculum. Provide worthwhile opportunities for pupils to respond to feedback and influence what and how they learn. Continue to improve levels of persistent absence. Two primaries taken out of Estyn review Coryton Primary School As well as these inspections two Cardiff primary schools were deemed to have improved enough to be taken out of Estyn review this academic year. The are Coryton Primary and Tongwynlais Primary. Article continues below Both schools were judged to have met Estyn recommendations to improve teaching, leadership, and the curriculum and raise standards in Welsh.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
The number of parents fined and prosecuted for not sending their children to school in Wales
The number of parents fined and prosecuted for not sending their children to school in Wales One council said it tries not to fine or prosecute parents who don't send their children to school while others take a stricter approach More than 500 parents were fined across Wales last term for not sending their children to school with more than 100 prosecutions. The figures, obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests, were revealed as schools face the annual problem of families taking their children out of lessons to go on summer holidays before prices rise in peak season. The Welsh Government, councils, and and schools are struggling to get more children back into classrooms. Despite a very small improvement in school attendance this academic year it still trails pre-pandemic levels more than five years after classrooms first closed to the threat of Covid. Some children have never returned at all. Schools inspectorate Estyn recently warned it would take a decade, at the current rate of progress, to get attendance rates back to where they were before Covid and some schools believe fines and court action are the only answer. On average secondary-age pupils miss around one day of school a fortnight and now miss 11 days of school more each year than before the pandemic. More than one in 10 secondary school sessions – counted as half a school day – are now being missed on average in high schools across Wales with absence rates worst for less-well-off children and those in key GCSE year 11. Article continues below Education inspectorate Esytn has described low school attendance in Wales as "an important national concern". The watchdog said school leaders in some parts of Wales have told inspectors they are frustrated that their local authorities won't fine parents who don't send their children in. They have told Estyn this failure to act is is "restricting their ability to challenge families to improve pupils' attendance". The data shows while some councils are issuing fines and prosecuting parents for not sending their children to school others, such as Anglesey, are not. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Fixed penalty notice (FPN) fines for parents not sending their children to school are £60 rising to £120 if that's not paid within 28 days. Parents can be prosecuted if they do not pay those fines or if there is a recurring pattern of their children being absent from lessons. WalesOnline asked all 22 councils for data on fines, prosecutions, and fixed penalty notices issued in respect of children absent from school in the spring term 2025. Only 13 of the 22 councils responded to our requests, despite a statutory timeframe of 20 working days for doing so, meaning the true figures for fines and court cases will be higher. Only Cardiff, Wales' largest local education authority, provided details of total amounts that fines cost parents last term. The prosecutions listed may refer to absences before last term and may not be connected in all cases to the FPNs issued last term. Fines issued by each council to parents whose children didn't attend school in the spring term 2025 Anglesey Anglesey said it issues no fines and there were no prosecutions for parents not sending their children to school there last term but the council admitted this did not mean there was not a need to do so. A spokesman for Anglesey Council said: "This isn't because sometimes there hasn't been a need. However we have made a decision to focus on working with parents without having to resort to using legal channels." Blaenau Gwent Overall 77 FPNs were issued while there were 59 prosecutions which all resulted in financial penalties but the amounts were not specified. Bridgend Five FPNs were handed out but there were no prosecutions. A Bridgend County Borough Council spokesman said: 'In line with our latest policy a total of five fixed-penalty notices (FPNs) were issued to parents/carers in relation to school absences during spring term 2025. 'Our policy in relation to FPNs reinforces our positive messaging in local communities about the impact school attendance has on the overall development, learning, and wellbeing of our pupils. 'A range of factors are always taken into account such as the level of unauthorised absence, any equalities considerations, additional needs, history of attendance, the level of parental engagement, and any adverse effect a fine will have on the welfare of the family in question.' Caerphilly In total 75 FPNs were issued though six were withdrawn. There were eight prosecutions with seven fines and one remaining outstanding. The council said: "If a pupil who is registered at a school fails to attend regularly and attempts by the education welfare officer and the school fail to secure regular attendance consideration will be given to issuing the parent with a fixed penalty notice. Unless there are known mitigating circumstances the local authority could also consider taking legal action by issuing a summons against the parents to appear before the magistrates' court under section 444 of the 1996 Education Act. "In deciding whether to take legal action the EWO (education welfare officer) must be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. It must consider what the defence case may be and how this is likely to affect the prosecution case." Cardiff Overall 220 FPNs were issued. There were also 34 prosecutions with outcomes as follows: Three parents were fined £40 Four parents were fined £60 Three parents were fined £80 Eight parents were fined £120 Two parents were fined £180 Eight parents were fined £220 Three parents were fined £440 One parent was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £75 prosecution costs and a £26 victim surcharge One parent was handed a community order for a period of 18 months to include 25 rehabilitation order requirement (RAR) days plus a £120 fine, £150 prosecution costs, and £114 victim surcharge One parent was made subject to a 12-month community order with 10 RAR days and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £80 and a £114 victim surcharge In the first seven cases disposed of solely by fines above all parents were required to pay court costs of between £75 and £150 and a victim surcharge of between £16 and £176. Ceredigion The council said there were fewer than five FPNs and prosecutions initiated by the local authority last term. The council said: "Ceredigion local authority always aim to work in partnership with parents in order to resolve reasons for non-attendance and therefore any consideration of punitive measures is always used as a last resort." Conwy Overall 46 FPNs were issued between January 6, 2025, and April 11, 2025. None of the FPNs from this period have been prosecuted yet. Monmouthshire Monmouthshire council said it did not issue any FPNs or have any prosecutions go through in the spring term 2025. Neath Port Talbot The council issued 29 FPNs and there were seven prosecutions with six guilty pleas and one not guilty plea. Pembrokeshire In total 65 FPNs were issued with four prosecutions initiated for "entrenched school absence". Two parents were due to appear in court in May. The council said: "Each school within the authority has their own separate absence policy. The education welfare service are currently undergoing an evaluation of the service and will be writing a model policy for schools for September 2025." Swansea The authority sent 52 fixed penalty notice warning letters and this resulted in 33 fixed penalty notices being issued in full. There were no prosecutions last term. Torfaen Torfaen Council provided data for a different time period but it said the main reason for issuing FPNs has been unauthorised holidays being taken during term time. The council said between March 2024 and April 2025 there were a total 261 FPNs issued though 11 were later withdrawn. It said absence rates had fallen slightly but were still higher than pre-pandemic levels. Vale of Glamorgan The council issued 37 FPNs while there were no prosecutions last term. How school attendance has plunged since classrooms shut in the pandemic Latest Welsh Government figures on school absence, released on June 3, show average attendance for the 2023-24 academic year in Wales was 90.5% – down from 94.3% in 2018-19. This is a fall in attendance of 3.8 percentage points since the pandemic. Attendance is counted not in numbers of pupils but in numbers of half-day school sessions. The main reason for children not being in school was illness at 4% followed by all unauthorised absences, including holidays without agreement and being late, at 3.3%. Holidays alone represent 0.6% of unauthorised absence.. The law – under the Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010 – says head teachers can authorise absences for pupils to go on holiday but "save in exceptional circumstances" pupils should not be given more than 10 school days leave in any school year. Average attendance in 2023-24 was lowest among pupils in year 11 at 85.3% and highest amongst pupils in year three at 92.6%. Attendance among year 11 pupils was 7.9 percentage points lower than it was in 2018-19. Attendance in primary school year groups fell by 2.3 to 2.7 percentage points over the same period. The figures showed 53.3% of pupils eligible for free school meals were persistently absent in 2023-24, up from 30.4% in 2018-19. Persistent absence is when a child misses 10% or more of half-day school sessions. Article continues below Responding to warnings about attendance from Estyn last month the Welsh Government said: "Raising school attendance is a key commitment. School attendance has increased by 0.5% this year and we continue to invest in family engagement officers and community-focused schools to respond to the needs of learners and build strong partnerships with families and the wider community." The problem is reflected across other parts of the UK.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Conservatives slam Labour's approach to maths
The Welsh Conservatives have raised concerns after a report by Estyn inspectors highlighted significant variation in teaching quality, inadequate training and a lack of understanding of the curriculum. Shadow cabinet secretary for education, Ms Asghar, said: "This report lays bare the systemic failings of the Welsh Labour Government. "After 26 years in charge, Labour continues to let students down by poor teaching standards and a lack of support for teachers. "These are not just statistics; they represent real opportunities lost for our young people." Earlier this week the Welsh Conservatives criticised Labour's announcement of £44million in grants for schools, stating that they were failing to prioritise core subjects. Ms Asghar said: "Labour's track record on education in Wales highlights their continued failure to make the right calls." She continued: "Maths is the backbone of our future economy, from AI to engineering, and we cannot afford to undermine it. "Yet Labour's weak guidance, chronic underfunding, and lack of support for teachers are failing our schools and jeopardising the future prospects of our children.'
