Views sought on draft plan to develop Welsh language education in Neath Port Talbot

Views are being sought on a draft plan to develop Welsh language education over the next 10 years in Neath Port Talbot.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2022-32 aims to support and further develop the Welsh language in schools and in the wider community.

The plan is linked to Welsh Government’s vision to have 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050.

Neath Port Talbot’s Cabinet agreed to a public consultation on the draft plan at a meeting on Monday 1st November. The consultation will run for 9 weeks, from Friday 5th November to Friday 7th January.

The plan was developed alongside key partner organisations and outlines how the council will work towards achieving the following outcomes:

More nursery children to receive their education through the medium of Welsh

More reception class children to receive their education through the medium of Welsh

More children continue to improve their Welsh language skills when transferring from one stage of their statutory education to another

More learners to study for assessed qualifications in Welsh (as a subject) and subjects through the medium of Welsh

More opportunities for learners to use Welsh in different contexts in school.

An increase in Welsh-medium education provision for learners with additional learning needs (in accordance with duties determined by the ALN Act)

Increase the number of teaching staff able to teach Welsh (as a subject) and teach through the medium of Welsh.

Councillor Peter Rees, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, said: “This 10 year plan will be the cornerstone for the Council’s vision for increasing and improving the provision of Welsh medium education in Neath Port Talbot.

“We want to give people the opportunity to develop their Welsh language skills and to use the language confidently in everyday life.

“I hope as many people as possible will take the time to give us their views to help us shape our plan going forward.”

More than £123m has been invested into improving buildings and facilities across both Welsh and English medium schools thanks to the 21st Century Schools Programme, which is jointly funded by the Council and Welsh Government. This includes recent developments to increase pupil capacity and provide a better learning environment at three Welsh medium schools; Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Cwmllynfell and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tyle’r Ynn.

To read the full draft strategy, go to https://www.npt.gov.uk/WelshEducationStrategy

To submit your views on the consultation, email education@npt.gov.uk . Written responses should be addressed to the Director of Education Leisure and Lifelong Learning, Port Talbot Civic Centre, Port Talbot, SA13 1PJ.