NAHT Cymru comments on Welsh Government’s Renew and Reform plan

NAHT Cymru comments on Welsh Government’s Renew and Reform plan

Commenting on the Welsh Government’s publication today (16 June) of its Renew and Reform plan, Laura Doel, director of school leaders’ union, NAHT Cymru, said:

“To see that the Welsh Government has taken on board some aspects of NAHT Cymru’s blueprint for the future of education in Wales is a promising start. For us, building on the recovery work already being carried out in schools and recognising that tackling unnecessary bureaucracy, trusting in teachers and school leaders’ professional judgement and supporting their wellbeing and development through professional learning, is crucial.

“Where today’s announcement falls short is on the issue of funding. Of the £150m announced, less than £100m of this amount will actually be going directly to schools.

“The government has used smoke and mirrors to present the plan as an education bonanza for 2021-22, when in fact more than £50m is not going directly into frontline education, where we know funding would have the greatest impact on learners.

“A recent Education Policy Institute report identified that between £10-15bn should be spent on education recovery in England over the next three years, which would equate to between £600-£900m using the Barnett formulae for Wales.

“As we have seen, the UK Government has ignored the report and dished out a pitiful plan in England, which has resulted in less money for Wales.

“However, it is for the Welsh Government and elected officials to take that argument to Westminster and make sure our learners in Wales get a fully-funded recovery plan that delivers for them.

“There are still no details on how the government will support introducing the new curriculum for Wales.

“However, it’s encouraging to see that the government’s Renew and Reform plan takes a bottom-up approach by adopting in principle some of NAHT’s requests and priorities in our blueprint for long-term post-pandemic education recovery that closes attainment gaps. A phased implementation of the new ALN legislation is also welcomed to ensure schools continue to support their learners to reach their full potential. Supporting children with ALN is too important an issue to shelve, but schools will need support with this.

“Again, we’ve yet to see any details on how the government aims to fulfil these proposals but look forward to working with them to develop the plan.”