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Pembrokeshire Herald
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Lifeboat launch turns out to be false alarm at Caerfai Bay
THE WELSH Conservatives' new education priorities have come under fire from a leading school leaders' union, which described the plans as 'tabloid headlines' disconnected from the real challenges facing Welsh schools. Ahead of the party's conference in Llangollen on Friday (May 17), the Conservatives outlined a series of pledges that include banning mobile phones in classrooms, reintroducing home economics, and allowing schools to convert to academy status – a system currently used in England but not in Wales. Laura Doel, national secretary of NAHT Cymru, was critical of the proposals, saying: 'The Welsh Conservatives' priorities read more like tabloid headlines than carefully considered policies for improving children's education. They are completely out of touch with reality.' Doel argued that many of the proposals were unnecessary, pointing out that home economics remains part of the curriculum under different guises, and that most schools already have effective mobile phone policies. She also dismissed the call for academies, saying: 'Changing the name above a school doesn't change the quality of teaching or experience of the pupils in it.' She added that the key concerns among school leaders remain unresolved: 'Our members' priorities are funding, the recruitment and retention of teachers, ALN reform, conditions of service for teachers and leaders, and support for small schools.' However, some of the Conservative proposals may reflect broader concerns among parents and communities. Recent surveys have shown public unease about classroom discipline, digital distraction, and pupil safety – concerns the Conservatives appear keen to address with more uniform policy approaches. A spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives said their priorities were based on 'what parents are telling us,' and insisted that schools needed 'a clear framework for excellence, not excuses for underperformance.' They added: 'We want to empower schools, ensure pupils are learning practical life skills, and put an end to the distractions that undermine classroom discipline.' The debate comes as Welsh schools continue to adapt to the new Curriculum for Wales, amid ongoing concerns about funding pressures, teacher workloads, and falling attainment in some core subjects. A recent Estyn report found that while many schools are innovating effectively, others face 'significant challenges' in delivering consistent standards. As the Welsh education debate heats up in the run-up to the next Senedd election, all parties are expected to face scrutiny over how they plan to address long-standing structural issues in the system.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
No nationwide smartphone ban in Welsh schools, report recommends
There should not be an outright nationwide ban on smartphones in Welsh schools, according to a new report. Instead the Welsh Government is being urged to produce clear guidance and a robust framework to allow teachers to set their own rules in schools. The Senedd's Petitions Committee said that although smartphones could cause harm there was also evidence of the devices supporting young people's welfare and safety. Committee members spoke to teachers, pupils and parents and considered the different rules adopted by schools, and the complex relationship between young people and their smartphones. In its report, the committee urged the Welsh Government to establish clear guidance, alongside a robust decision-making framework for teachers and schools. The report was produced following a petition that was signed by more than 3,000 people and called for a ban in schools, except in exceptional circumstances. Committee chairwoman Carolyn Thomas said: 'The growing body of evidence about the harms of smartphones outweighing the benefits for children is both compelling and concerning. 'However, on balance we do not believe that it supports a move to a uniform 'ban' on smartphones in all Welsh schools. 'The more evidence we heard, the clearer it became that the relationship between young people and their phones is not simple. 'There are children who experience distraction, cyber-bullying, addiction and anxiety delivered through their phones. 'There are others who are liberated by being able to manage health conditions or feel emboldened to walk to school, knowing they can always contact a parent. 'Every so often a petition comes in that grabs our attention and sometimes things that seem the simplest, are much, much more complex once you scratch the surface. 'We thank the petitioner for bringing forward this very timely issue, which gave us the opportunity to explore and present the recommendations to Welsh Government. 'We hope the information will be useful for all schools in considering and setting their policies.' The evidence gathered by the committee, along with its recommendations, will now be considered by the Welsh Government. A debate will be arranged in the Senedd in due course. Laura Doel, national secretary of school leaders' union NAHT Cymru, said an outright ban would not work. 'We gave evidence to the petitions committee on this, on behalf of school leaders, and we are pleased they have listened to those voices on the ground. 'School leaders need the flexibility and support to develop a policy that works for them to keep the children and staff in their schools and communities safe. 'What school leaders do need is guidance from the Welsh Government on key principles, as well as support from parents in working with schools to encourage appropriate phone use. 'We can't get away from the realities of social media and technology use among children and young people. 'The fact is we live in a society where phone use is prevalent. But it is important that we educate children and young people, to help them understand and navigate this online world, and make sure they know how to seek help when it becomes unsafe or unhealthy, as well as clamping down on those who do not obey the rules.' In England, there is not an outright ban but UK Government guidance encourages schools to prohibit the use of phones.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
No nationwide smartphone ban in Welsh schools, report recommends
There should not be an outright nationwide ban on smartphones in Welsh schools, according to a new report. Instead the Welsh Government is being urged to produce clear guidance and a robust framework to allow teachers to set their own rules in schools. The Senedd's Petitions Committee said that although smartphones could cause harm there was also evidence of the devices supporting young people's welfare and safety. Committee members spoke to teachers, pupils and parents and considered the different rules adopted by schools, and the complex relationship between young people and their smartphones. In its report, the committee urged the Welsh Government to establish clear guidance, alongside a robust decision-making framework for teachers and schools. The report was produced following a petition that was signed by more than 3,000 people and called for a ban in schools, except in exceptional circumstances. Committee chairwoman Carolyn Thomas said: 'The growing body of evidence about the harms of smartphones outweighing the benefits for children is both compelling and concerning. 'However, on balance we do not believe that it supports a move to a uniform 'ban' on smartphones in all Welsh schools. 'The more evidence we heard, the clearer it became that the relationship between young people and their phones is not simple. 'There are children who experience distraction, cyber-bullying, addiction and anxiety delivered through their phones. 'There are others who are liberated by being able to manage health conditions or feel emboldened to walk to school, knowing they can always contact a parent. 'Every so often a petition comes in that grabs our attention and sometimes things that seem the simplest, are much, much more complex once you scratch the surface. 'We thank the petitioner for bringing forward this very timely issue, which gave us the opportunity to explore and present the recommendations to Welsh Government. 'We hope the information will be useful for all schools in considering and setting their policies.' The evidence gathered by the committee, along with its recommendations, will now be considered by the Welsh Government. A debate will be arranged in the Senedd in due course. Laura Doel, national secretary of school leaders' union NAHT Cymru, said an outright ban would not work. 'We gave evidence to the petitions committee on this, on behalf of school leaders, and we are pleased they have listened to those voices on the ground. 'School leaders need the flexibility and support to develop a policy that works for them to keep the children and staff in their schools and communities safe. 'What school leaders do need is guidance from the Welsh Government on key principles, as well as support from parents in working with schools to encourage appropriate phone use. 'We can't get away from the realities of social media and technology use among children and young people. 'The fact is we live in a society where phone use is prevalent. But it is important that we educate children and young people, to help them understand and navigate this online world, and make sure they know how to seek help when it becomes unsafe or unhealthy, as well as clamping down on those who do not obey the rules.' In England, there is not an outright ban but UK Government guidance encourages schools to prohibit the use of phones. Sign in to access your portfolio
