Torfaen County Borough Council Welsh in Education Strategic Plan
2017 – 2020
Torfaen WESP 2017-2020 1
Torfaen Borough Council Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2014-2017
Introduction This Welsh in Education Strategic Plan is presented by Torfaen County Borough Council in conjunction with the local authorities of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Newport and the Education Achievement for South East Wales (EAS). These five local authorities and the EAS will work together in partnership to plan and deliver Welsh-medium education across the area. This plan details how Torfaen County Borough Council and the South East Wales Consortium will aim to achieve the Welsh Government’s outcomes and targets outlined in the National Welsh Medium Education Strategy at a local and regional level.
Section 1 Vision Torfaen as a member of the South East Wales Consortia will participate in the development of Welsh standards in education to equip a bilingual Wales with a skilled bilingual workforce, supporting the Welsh Government’s vision for Welsh in Education. We will work together as a region to equip schools and education providers across age ranges and linguistic sectors with the capacity and sustainability to increase standards in Welsh and promote the use of the Welsh language within families, communities and workplaces.
One Welsh medium seedling school was established in September 2010, Ysgol Panteg, with 36 pupils. This schools is now successfully established with 320 pupils attending. Ysgol Panteg has a new 420 place school building which opened in February 2017.
In light of discussions with Welsh Government we will be submitting proposals to Welsh Government for capital grant funding to support the development of further Welsh Medium primary provision in the Borough. The grant funding will support capital investments that facilitate growth in Welsh medium education and use of the Welsh language. The proposal outlines Torfaen’s vision for creating the demand for Welsh Medium provision by establishing a new Mudiad Meithrin provision at a current English Medium primary school in the south of the borough, and a Ti a Fi group within the local community. Additionally, we will keep under active review opportunities to expand Welsh medium provision, subject to demand requirements and funding availability.
The proposal also details a bid for an increase in Welsh Medium primary provision in the North of the borough. This will be initially for a 210 placement on a 315 footprint. Subject to the approval of these proposals we will then be in a position to amend our WESP accordingly.
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We will continue to monitor to maintain and improve the high rate of transfer from Welsh medium primary schools to Welsh medium secondary school provision.
The Council is eager to ensure that planning for Welsh medium school places is rigorous and based on the most recent data available. The Council is exploring the possibility of providing parents with parental preference surveys of school demand when they register births. This will result in continual surveying of preferences and should enable us to identifying changing trends earlier. A full survey of parental demand for Welsh medium education, as required by the WESP regulation, took place in November 2016. The 2016 survey was sent to approximately 3000 parents/carers of pre-school aged children in Torfaen. The survey period ran from Monday 17th October 2016 to Monday 28th November 2016. In all 320 surveys were returned representing a return rate of 10.66% (based on a circulation of 3000). This is disappointing but perhaps not unexpected given the nature of the survey, and the fact that it is held on a regular basis, where cohorts of parents/carers may have been surveyed previously. Because the level of response was low, the statistical evidence is not sufficient to make a case for additional provision, particularly in terms of Welsh Medium education. However, based on current projections and annual forecasts undertaken to measure demand for school places, the council is satisfied that there are sufficient places across English Medium, Welsh Medium and Faith based sectors to meet demand. The LA will continue to monitor demand for Welsh Medium education and where necessary report back in order to ensure the council meets its statutory obligation to provide Welsh Medium School places where they are desired.
As part of the childcare offer in Torfaen (within Flying Start), there is a dedicated page for parents promoting bilingual education. Torfaen Family Information Service website also has a dedicated page promoting Welsh medium education. Torfaen Flying Start have been working with Liz Evans Braun from Mudiad Meithrin, who is being funded by Welsh Government to promote welsh language with parents through informal sessions. Liz has been working with Kate Pike, Flying Start Enhancement Co-ordinator to provide · Song and story time in Family Fun Time Sessions and Incredible Years Baby · Baby yoga taster sessions at the end of the Living life to the full group for mums suffering with post-natal depression. Baby yoga taster session to the walking group with the view to running it as a group in January. · Attending the ‘Baby shower ‘ antenatal event.
All groups have welsh signing and rhymes in Welsh. The baby yoga gives words to actions. These sessions are new for the Autumn Term and some are in the proposal stage.
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The Council will aim to stimulate and provide local, accessible, sustainable, community-focused provision to meet the growing demand for Welsh-medium education through Welsh-medium educational parental demand surveys. The surveys will be conducted every two years via online questionnaire to parents through 3 cohorts: 0-1yrs; 1-2yrs; 2-3yrs with a summary of the findings reported to the Executive Member for Education and the local forum. The findings of the survey will be regularly measured to ensure the council’s planning is effective in meeting demand and aspirations of parents requiring Welsh medium education in future.
The three Welsh medium primary schools and Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw work collaboratively in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Also, a priority for the collaborative work is to continue the strong linguistic provision between each key stage of education by exploring the idea of an immersion protocol. Currently, the schools are researching whether to provide immersion at individual schools or at a central immersion centre based in one of the Welsh medium primary schools.
The Torfaen Welsh Education Forum has developed this WESP which is now issued in draft format for a 2 week consultation. It went through the 8 week consultation period in December 2016. The consultees are listed in Annex 2 and the timescales for the consultation leading to submission to Welsh Government is included at Annex 3.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act is about improving the social, environment, economic and cultural wellbeing of Wales. It makes sustainable development the central organising principle in Welsh public life. The Act has 7 wellbeing goals, one of which is ‘A Wales of vibrant cultures and thriving Welsh language.’ This means that there is already a duty on the Council to achieve that goal in the long term, as one of the steps to create the Wales we want to see in 2050. The Torfaen Welsh Language Strategy 2017- 2022 and objectives will be considered in forming Torfaen County Borough Council Wellbeing Objectives for March 2017 and the Public Service Board’s Plan, March 2018.
The WESP can have a role to play in achieving the goals emerging from the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and at the same time support the implementation of the Welsh Language Standards. This is achieved by a governance model based on a partnership approach by the Members of the Torfaen Welsh Education Forum, which is Chaired by the Chief Education Officer. The membership includes:
Primary representation from Welsh-medium schools Secondary School representation from Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw Menter Iaith
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Urdd Gobaith Cymru Coleg Gwent Early Years Mudiad Meithrin Rhieni dros addysg Gymraeg (RhAG) Education Achievement Service Councillor representative
The Torfaen Welsh Education Forum has agreed terms of reference which declares the function of the Forum. This is through collaboration between, schools, and other partner organisations with an interest in Welsh education in Torfaen as prescribed in the Welsh Government ‘Welsh Medium Education Strategy’ and Torfaen’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. In particular, the Forum shall:
Monitor the implementation of the WESP Monitor the provision of Welsh-medium education and act as a consultative group for future developments, as well as the development of the WESP Provide an annual report to the Welsh Government describing progress in terms of implementing the WESP’s targets against the approved timetable
The sections that follow demonstrate a full partnership approach to compiling the WESP, this document is in draft format and has be developed as consultees comment and feedback during the next 8 weeks. The Torfaen Welsh Education Forum in collaboration with the Executive member for Education will sign off the Final Draft before submission to Welsh Government by the 20th December 2016.
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Objectives: Expand our Welsh language provision in education to meet current and forecasted demand. Explore the possibility of creating demand for Welsh Medium through collaboration with its early years providers, schools and the EAS, and external agencies e.g. Mudiad Miethrin and Menter Iaith. Promote the opportunities for all learners. Enable equal opportunities to access provision for all learners.
Statement: The Council’s vision includes 3 main priorities, which guide us on how we plan, deliver and review our services: Raising Educational Attainment - All our young people are given the best possible chance in life by attaining a good standard of education; Cleaner and greener communities and a sustainable local environment that residents can be proud of and A healthier community where the most vulnerable people are assisted to lead healthy, independent lives, where the council and other agencies work to prevent suffering and hardship and to reduce inequality. The Welsh in Education Strategic Plan is a key factor in deliverng the council’s vision alongside promoting the benefits of the Welsh language for our learners, their community, and our future. This Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2017-2020 (WESP) is intended to demonstrate alignment with the Welsh Languge Strategy 2017-2022 for Torfaen County Borough Council and at the same time recognise and address the Welsh Government ambition to reach a million Welsh speakers by 2050. Section 2:
Local authorities have a statutory duty under Section 10 of the Learner Travel Measure (Wales) 2008 to promote access to education and training through the medium of Welsh. The following statement is regarding the accessibility of Welsh-medium provision in Torfaen in relation to home to school transport.
Pupils attending Welsh-medium schools will be provided with transport to the nearest Welsh-medium schools (not necessarily choice of school), if they live more than 2 miles away for Primary, and 3 miles away for Secondary.
Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, Cwm Rhymni and Is Coed as well as Coleg Gwent will work in partnership for the delivery of regional post 16 offer in the medium of Welsh. However, a further challenge is that Post 16 home to school transport policy is not statutory it is discretionary for all local authorities in Wales this can be seen to be an additional barrier or hurdle to accessing education, training and learning.
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Section 3:
Outcome 1: More seven-year-old children being taught through the medium of Welsh The Council aims to ensure that Welsh Medium education is available to all children whose parents or guardians wish them to receive their education through the medium of Welsh and that the supply of places meets current forecast and demand. Welsh medium provision in Torfaen is currently provided through three welsh medium primary school and 1 secondary school. The current position relating to the number of seven year olds taught through the medium of Welsh and our targets for the next three years.
Welsh Medium Schools and Pupil Data – September 2016
Primary School School Number Capacity % Over % Over capacity On Roll unfilled Capacity capacity Capacity Sept Sept Sept unfilled Sept 2016 Sept 2016 2016 2016 2016 Sept 2016 Ysgol Bryn Onnen 210 213 0 0 3 1.4% Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran 360 383 0 0 23 6.3% Ysgol Panteg 420 320 100 23.8% 0 0% Secondary School Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw 1107 939 168 15.2% 0 0%
The current position relating to the number of seven year olds taught through the medium of Welsh and Torfaen’s targets for the next three years
Current Position 2016/2017 (for illustrative 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 (2015/2016) purposes) Year 2 for Sept ’15 = Year 1 for Sept ’15 = 148 Year R for Sept Year R for Sept Year R for Sept ’17 = 125 (13.4%) ’15 = 116 ’16 = 134 (out of 137. (11.5%) (10.5%) 1086) Target of 13% (12.3%) Target 12.7%
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Objectives:
Ensure the Welsh Medium survey is meaningful, to ensure any data extracted from it can be used in a positive and useful manner for delivering future provision. The Council aim is to ensure that the supply of places meets current and forecast demand, also informed with ongoings with Mudiad Meithrin. Ensure the Torfaen Welsh Medium Education Forum supports the council in the discharge of its statutory duties and policies, and as appropriate, promotes the Welsh language in the wider community. Ensure a close and effective working partnership is in place with Early Years and pre-school organisations. Ensure equality of opportunity for Welsh Medium preschool settings in relation to the proposed 30 hours of childcare Medium education. The new school building (as part of the council’s 21st Century School Programme) may prove an attractive option to parents/carers in the immediate and surrounding area. Ensure future developments in the Programme as they relate to Welsh Medium provision are communicated as widely as possible and in a timely manner. Torfaen makes full use of all marketing tools available through FIS and Social Media (Facebook/ Twitter) to market the benefits of Welsh Medium Education. Parental surveys of demand are carried out in a timely manner- i.e. in line with school admission dates and post marketing and promotion of the benefits of Welsh Medium education. Torfaen does not curently have an Immersion Protocol. Explore options to introduce a Welsh Immersion protocol in Torfaen.
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Supporting Statement: The Council currently manages demand for Welsh Medium primary education in the county borough across its three sites, providing free home to school transport where necessary i.e. if the distance to the nearest available school is more than 2 miles regardless of whether there is an English Medium school closer by. Torfaen expanded Welsh Medium primary provision in Band A (Ysgol Panteg), and due to its location in mid-Torfaen (a valley which is only 12 miles in distance from top to bottom) serves its immediate community but is also easily accessible from the North and South of the county borough.
Our current projections suggest Torfaen has enough capacity until 2022/2023. If that changes, however, we would not need to build new provision – any increase in Welsh Medium demand will logically be mirrored by a corresponding reduction in demand for English medium and Torfaen would look to convert an English Medium school into a Welsh Medium or dual stream school. There would be no cost to that other than signage, and the lead in time for doing this is comparatively short i.e. less than 12 months.
Managing the supply in this way will ensure that we can continue to manage surplus places at around 10% (across Torfaen as a whole), whilst also continuing to meet parental choice for Welsh or English Medium education for their children.
The cylch Ti a Fi provides activities promoting the development of children from birth to school age. It is a brilliant opportunity for parents / carers to meet,socialise and share experiences in an informal Welsh atmosphere. Attending the cylch Ti a Fi is also a great opportunity to use the Welsh language if you are a Welsh learner. The Cylch Ti a Fi activities will reinforce the use of Welsh language at home and gives non-Welsh speaking families the opportunity to use Welsh for the first time with their children. Currently there are 3 cylchoedd Ti a Fi in Torfaen, Garndiffaeth, Pontypwl and New Inn. Cymraeg i Blant also provide story and Song sessions at Pontypool Library and Cwmbran Library as well as baby massage sessions.
Mudiad Meithrin currently support 3 Cylchoedd Meithrin in Torfaen : Cylch Meithrin Abersychan (Flying Start). The intention is to extend provision until 3pm each day. Cylch Meithrin Pontypwl (Funded for 3 year olds and opens from 9-3) The intention is to extend provision to Tuesday afternoon’s and all day Thursday. Cylch Meithrin Pontnewydd (Flying Start)
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Mudiad Meithrin are a key partner in the Council’s Core Aim 1 meetings which ensures collaboration between all key partners promoting equal access to all provision in the Early Years. They are also involved in Torfaen’s 30 Hour Child Care Offer. We envisage that Mudiad Meithrin will remain a key partner in moving forward with this agenda.
Targets for 2017/18 cannot be set as the pupils are already on roll, although there could be some small variations during the course of this academic year.
For 2018/19 the target of 12.7% is based on the extended provision in the cylchoed Meithrin at Abersychan and Pontypwl.
For 2019/20 this will be based on those children that enrol into reception year in September 2017. The combined admission number (AN) for the three Torfaen Welsh Medium Primary Schools is 137 (Ysgol Bryn Onnen – 30; Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran – 47; Ysgol Panteg – 60), and the target is that we will be making full use of all the available provision. Given the number of 7 year olds taught through the medium of Welsh over the past few years as a percentage of the cohort, a target of 13% would seem appropriate albeit achieving it is ultimately a function of parental preference.
Torfaen provide information to parents about the choice of childcare and education at the earliest opportunity (pre natal and postnatal). To this end it is important: o to increase front line staff’s understanding of the benefits of bilingualism and specifically Welsh medium education, i.e. Health Visitors, FIS etc. Torfaen has recently appointed a FIS manager that is welsh speaking. Torfaen’s Early Years team is working closely with Health colleagues as there is a shortage of Health Visitors in general, in the area. o that equal opportunity needs to be given to children with additional learning needs and that parents are not persuaded against Welsh Medium education (please refer to Outcome 6 for detail of ALN provision). o that parents are made aware that they have a choice through the parental surveys of demand. o the Admissions team will include the ‘Education in Torfaen’ leaflet within every admissions pack which promotes Welsh Medium, English Mediums and Faith education equally. o dedicated page on the FIS website promoting Welsh medium education.
Expanding provision Based on September 2015 actual numbers on roll, there were 125 seven year old (Year 2) pupils in the three Torfaen Welsh Medium Primary schools. The total Year 2 cohort was 1085 pupils which represent 11.5% in a Welsh Medium setting.
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Based on the recently completed September 2016 numbers on roll count, there were 140 seven year old (Year 2) pupils in the three Torfaen Welsh Medium Primary schools. The total Year 2 cohort is 1115 pupils which represent 12.6% in a Welsh Medium setting.
As part of Torfaen’s annual forecasting of pupil numbers the Joint Housing Land Availability Study information from the Planning Department is used. This provides information on the number of new houses proposed over a 5 year period and by using Supplementary Planning guidance, Torfaen can then establish how many potential pupils these developments will generate.
It should be noted that Torfaen are only considering potential numbers, as the age of children will remain unknown until they enrol at a school. Other factors that need to be considered are whether families have moved into Torfaen from another area, other parts of Torfaen or locally, and whether the children are already in a school, and if they move to their new catchment school area remain in their original school prior to the move. Torfaen also have to consider if they will attend English Medium, Welsh Medium or a faith based education. It is therefore not an easy exercise to project future demand.
It is also worth noting that in terms of some recent new builds, Welsh Government refused to accept the housing element of the Local Development Plan (LDP) as sufficient justification for 420 place schools (for Blenheim Road and Llantarnam), hence it was left at 315.
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Outcome 2: More learners continuing to improve their language skills on transfer from primary to secondary school.
Current position and targets for the next three years relating to the number of year nine learners who are assessed in Welsh (First Language)
Current Position (2015/2016) 2016/2017 (for 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 illustrative purposes) Year 9 for Sept 15 = 164 of which 68 Year 8 for Sept 15 Year 7 for Sept 15 = Year 7 for Sept 16 = Target: 143 (41.5%) are Torfaen. = 177 of which 72 175 of which 74 144 of which 89 (minimum). (40.7%) are (42.3%) are Torfaen. (61.8%) are Torfaen. * See note Torfaen. below.
Objectives: Continue to work on a collaborative basis with neighbouring authorities to ensure there is sufficient provision to meet demand. Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw to continue to work closely with its “feeder”/partner primary schools to ensure high transfer rates is maintained. Offer support if appropriate. Ensure the Torfaen Welsh Medium Education Forum supports the council in the discharge of its statutory duties and policies, and as appropriate, promotes the Welsh language in the wider community. Greater Gwent local authorities to work at a “local” level in their respective areas in the promotion of and transition arrangements for Welsh Medium education.
Supporting Statement: Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw is a regional provider for South East Wales covering the Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and Newport council areas. In September 2016 a new Welsh Medium Secondary school opened in Newport (Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed) as a “seedling” school with year 7 pupils attending from Newport and that part of South Monmouthshire served by Ysgol Y Ffin. The immediate effect of this is that about 90 year 7 pupils will attend the new setting who would otherwise have attended Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw.
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This will clearly impact on future Year 9 numbers and also the percentage of pupils attending from Torfaen (Analysis in April 2016) showed 375 (39.2%) of a school roll of 956.
The targets for 2017/18 and 2018/19 cannot be set as the pupils are already on roll although there could be some small variations during the course of these academic years.
For 2019/20 the year 9 numbers will be reduced because of the new provision in Newport (see above). The minimum target should where possible be to ensure all the current (September 2016) Year 6 pupils on roll in the feeder Welsh Medium Primary Schools to Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw i.e. 143 (Ysgol Panteg - 20; Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran – 36; Ysgol Bryn Onnen – 25; Ysgol Y Fenni – 24; Ysgol Bro Helyg – 38) all attend.
In future, a target should be as a minimum, the combined admission numbers (AN’s) of the feeder primary schools, currently, 221.
Individual AN’s for the feeder primary schools are as follows:- Ysgol Panteg – 60; Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran – 47; Ysgol Bryn Onnen – 30; Ysgol Y Fenni – 33; Ysgol Bro Helyg – 51.
The current admission number for Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw is 182, so future targets must be considered in light of future Welsh Medium secondary provision in the South East Wales region.
For Torfaen, transfer rates from Year 6 to Year 7 have been/are as follows:-
Ysgol Bryn Onnen: 33/33 (100%) – Sept 16; 31/33 (94%) – Sept 15; 36/37 (97%) – Sept 14; 26/26 (100%) – Sept 13.
Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran: 56/58 (98%) – Sept 16; 43/44 (98%) – Sept 15; 36/37 (97%) – Sept 14; 42/43 (98%) – Sept 13.
Ysgol Panteg: Not applicable until September 2017.
Summary for above: 89/91(98%) – Sept 16; 74/77 (96%) – Sept 15; 72/74 (97%) – Sept 14; 68/69 (99%) – Sept 13.
This clearly shows that for Torfaen, once children enrol in a Welsh Medium setting, they largely remain there to Key Stage 4. In each year only very small numbers have transferred to a setting other than Welsh Medium.
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In these limited cases, the reasons provided on the admission forms for not choosing Welsh Medium include, siblings attending English Medium secondary schools and residing within the catchment area of the local English Medium secondary school.
The Welsh Medium Primary schools in Torfaen attend a residential trip to Llangrannog with other schools from the surrounding area as part of the transition process. Torfaen are exploring a similar format that could be developed with the English Medium Primary schools.
Effective transfer and linguistic continuity
The rates of progression between:
Non-maintained Welsh-medium childcare settings for children under 3 and funded non-maintained Welsh-medium settings delivering the Foundation Phase – 9
Funded non-maintained Welsh –medium settings and maintained Welsh-medium schools – 11 (13 pupils in the cohort and 2 moved out of area therfeore 100% transferred in Welsh-medium schools; 9 to Ysgol Panteg and 2 to Ysgol Bryn Onnen).
Number of children transitioning from English Medium settings to Welsh Medium Foundation Pase – 20.
Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2 – All Torfaen schools are “all through” 3 or 4 to 11 age and therefore once enrolled in reception year the expectation is that in the vast majority of cases children will remain in that setting. The expected transfer rate is therefore 100%.
Key Stages 2 and 3 – Please refer to note above. The last 4 admission rounds have seen on average 97.5% of Year 6 pupils in a Welsh medium primary setting transfer to a Welsh Medium secondary setting for Year 7.
Key Stage 3 and 4 – once enrolled at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw in Year 7, the expectation is that pupils will remain for their Key Stage 4 studies. The expected transfer rate is therefore 100%. (Evidence suggests that a very few, less that 10%, leave
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Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw before Key Stage 4 from Key Stage 3; this is due to family choice and families moving out of the area.
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Outcome 3: More students aged 14-16 studying for qualifications through the medium of Welsh.
Outcome 4: More students aged 14-19 in study subjects through the medium of Welsh, in schools, colleges and work- based learning.
Current position and targets relating to the percentage of learners entered for GCSE Welsh (first language) entered for at least two further Level 1 or Level 2 qualifications through the medium of Welsh.
Current Position 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 All pupils in Welsh-medium education at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw 100% 100% 100% 100%
Objectives: Ensure that provision for 14-16-year-old learners at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw continues to comply with the Learning and Skills Measure (Wales) 2009 Torfaen County Borough Council to have representation in order to work through 14-19 Regional Forums to sustain and improve Welsh-medium provision. Plan for post 16 provision within partnerships. Consider a regional approach to Welsh medium post 16 provision (YGCRh, Y Gwyndy, Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw (Torfaen) and Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed (Newport) in developing, promoting and sustaining effective Welsh medium 14-19 learning pathways. This will be developed through the Regional WEF sub group for 14-19 pathways linking the three secondary schools, 2 colleges and the university.
Supporting Statement: With very few exceptions KS2 pupils in Welsh-medium education in Torfaen transfer to Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw where pupils are entered for two Maths, two Science, three optional GCSEs and the Welsh Bacc. through the medium of Welsh in KS4. This is in addition to Welsh / Welsh Literature. The opening of Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed, Newport, will ensure sufficient places for pupils from Torfaen at YGG for the duration of the WESP plan.
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The percentage of learners entered for GCSE Welsh (first language) being entered for at least five further level 1 or level 2 qualifications though the medium of Welsh.
The Urdd has worked with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol on a project for young people 14 + in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which focused on encouraging more young people to study through the medium of Welsh in University. Torfaen are looking to work in collaboration with the Urdd on how this project can be delivered in Torafen. The Urdd also has a project called ‘Cymraeg Bob Dydd’, which focuses on getting pupils in English Medium Secondary schools to use their Welsh and study Welsh further. Torfaen is exploring this further with the aim of encouraging schools to participate.
A sustainable14-19 pathway will be required for all Welsh medium pupils within the authority by September 2018. This will form the basis of the review required. The authority and YGCRh will collaborate to ensure that sustainable Welsh medium post-16 provision can be maintained by September 2018. YGCRh and Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw have been creative in their partnership whereby staff travel to teach alternative or low take-up courses but following the withdrawal of the grant, this is no longer financially viable and will never be due to the low numbers. By September 2019 a sustainable 14-16 Learning Pathway will be required at Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed (Newport) and by September 2021 they will require a sustainable 14-19 Learning Pathway. It is not a feasible proposition to expect them to be able to offer a sustainable curriculum to their pupils without collaboration with other Welsh medium providers. With the development of the Successful Futures curriculum to be implemented by September 2018 we cannot be sure what the requirements for a sustainable 14-19 Learning Pathway could look like by 2020. It is clearly essential that any future planning for a Welsh medium 14-19 Learning Pathways strategy in South East Wales must consider a collaborative approach if we are to continue to provide a high quality sustainable pathway.
Within the local authority’s review of 14-19 provision a regional approach will be considered, where Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw could work in collaboration with YGCRh (Caerphilly) and Gwent Is Coed (Newport) in developing and promoting effective Welsh medium 14-19 Learning Pathways, as well as collaboration with Coleg y Cymoedd and Coleg Gwent. This will be a priority of the Regional WEF through the sub group for 14-19 provision.
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Current Position 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 All pupils in Welsh-medium education at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw 100% 100% 100% 100%
Objectives:
Maintain 14-19 provision at the level of 14-19 grant provision activities. Work through 14-19 Networks and 14-19 Regional Forums to sustain and improve Welsh-medium provision
Supporting Statement:
Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw works in strong partnership with Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni and both schools have been innovative in ensuring healthy 14-19 provision through the ‘Partneriaeth 6’ strategy. The withdrawal of the 14-19 grant poses significant threat to this strategy and to the diversity of courses on offer to Blaenau Gwent pupils currently attending Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw. Transportation costs are an added stress on the viability of courses and will need to be considered at a regional level.
Because of one Welsh-medium secondary school having to offer 25 courses at 14-16 and 30 courses at 16-19, securing viable numbers will always be a problem. Cwm Rhymni and Gwynllyw have being creative in their partnership whereby staff travel to teach alternative or low take-up courses.
Data will be used to identify successful and high achieving courses. These will be supported whereas courses that do not meet the standards of performance expected might be replaced with courses that are more appropriate to the needs of the pupils.
The 14-19 Forums have officially come to an end however, CYDAG SE Wales continues to meet to explore the possibility of continuing practices such as arranging conferences and staff collaboration meetings that were in place to March 2016. Creativity and commitment will be needed to enable continuity.
Gwynllyw and Cwm Rhymni have in the past held joint governance meetings to gather, analyse and use data for 14-19 Welsh- medium provision and plan for post-16 Welsh-medium provision within partnerships. This is to be relaunched to include Gwent Is Coed.
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Coleg Gwent currently have 46 learners enrolled for 2016/17 at Pontypool Campus who are Welsh speakers. Therefore, as enrolment continues this number is subject to change. Enrolment continues therefore this number is subject to change. It is not possible at this early stage for the College to accurately say how many learners study bilingually (Welsh Government definition B1,B2 and B3), however, this is usually around a third. The college has set itself a target for increasing the number of learners who study bilingually by 10% every year for the next 3 years.
Partneriaeth 6: The partnership between Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw and YGCRh (Caerphilly) was introduced as the Welsh medium 14-19 strategic partnership between Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen in 2006. It has proven to be an innovative pioneering partnership ensuring highly effective 14-19 Welsh medium Learning Pathways. Partneriaeth 6 was dependant on funding through the ANDP, RNDP and Welsh medium 14-19 grants which are no longer available. Partneriaeth 6 now needs to re-focus on the promotion and development of the wider curriculum in line with Successful Futures and further developments in 14-19 Learning Pathways.
Re-launch Partneriaeth 6 in January 2017 with the aim of continuing to lead an outstanding pioneering Welsh medium structure across South East Wales.
The partnership between Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw and YGCRh will be reinforced by inviting Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed to collaborate as partnership members. The feeder primary schools of each secondary school will be associate members of the partnership. Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed will also be invited to join the Joint Governors Committee of Partneriaeth 6.
Partneriaeth 6 will agree targets for increasing Welsh medium 14-19 pupil numbers by ensuring that provision through the medium of Welsh is of the very highest standard and that students achieve qualifications at the highest possible level.
Partneriaeth 6 will continue to lead Welsh medium strategies across the region in collaboration with the local authorities and the Education Achievement Service (EAS): The Welsh Medium Education system in South East Wales to be recognised nationally as a pioneering /excellent example of good practice. Pupils in the partnership will be expected to receive results that are comparable with the best in Wales.
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Outcome 5: More students with higher-level Welsh-language skills
Current Position 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 Welsh: 1 Student entering AS Level WSL courses at KS5 in 2015 3 Students entering A Level WSL courses at KS5 in 2015 No increase 3% 5% Welsh Second Language: expected 4 Students entering AS Level WSL courses at KS5 in 2015 19 students entering A Level WSL courses at KS5 in 2015
Objectives:
In order to ensure more learners with higher-level Welsh-language skills the Local Authority with its stakeholders will: Maintain and increase outcomes at the expected level +1 in Welsh first language across Key stages to impact on A*-A GCSE performance leading to higher A Level numbers Ensure that the Post 16 Curriculum Leaders Group are aware of the LA’s vision to increase AS/A level numbers in English- medium schools and actively collaborate to ensure pupils have access to a AS / A level Welsh Second Language course. Encourage English-medium schools to increase formal and informal provision for Welsh Second Language at KS3 and KS4 so that GCSE Full Course uptake is increased from 23.9% (2015 baseline) and that both languages are widely used as mediums of communication Encourage English-medium schools to enter 95% of pupils for GCSE Welsh Full Course when the current Short Course is withdrawn in 2018 (pupils currently do not have to be entered for any examination in Welsh Second Language) and plan for the implementation of Successful Futures to ensure transactional competence for all pupils aged 16.
Supporting Statement: Performance in Welsh First Language / literacy is strong in the Foundation Phase and KS2 with performance above Wales at the expected level at both key stages. To maintain and continue to improve schools have access to a range of Welsh literacy programmes and CPD through their involvement with the EAS regional literacy network and direct support from a Welsh literacy advisor (FP-KS4). Programmes currently available include the ‘Cyfathrebu’n Gyntaf’ initiative for literacy in the Foundation Phase and the ‘Ar Lafar’,‘Y Darllenwr Dygn’, ‘Ditectifs Darllen’ and ‘Seiliau Sgrifennu’ programmes that are all targeted at developing
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literacy in each of the attainment targets across all phases, including KS3, where appropriate, to ensure continuity and progression. There is structured school to school support available to the Welsh-medium schools across the region through the SE Wales consortium literacy support arrangements with lead schools for literacy leading aspects of the designed CPD programmes outlined.
As well as a rigorous approach to assessment for and of learning, including in-house and cluster moderation, the adoption of the Siarter Iaith initiative from September 2016 will support schools in improving pupil confidence and competence in using the Welsh language both inside and outside the classroom, enabling schools to maintain their high outcomes. Primary schools will achieve the Siarter gold standard by July 2019 with secondary schools involved with the Supporting Young People’s Practices project from Autumn 2016.
Performance in Welsh as a Second Language at KS2 is strong but performance at KS3 is below Wales average. The EAS will monitor provision at KS3 and 4 and report to Challenge Advisors and the LA on time allocation and the status of option group numbers annually. Secondary schools will be encouraged to provide adequate time for the study of Welsh as a second language in line with the new Welsh GCSE taught from September 2017 and with the requirements of the new curriculum to ensure transactional competence at the end of KS4 for all pupils in all aspects of school life. Pupils must study Welsh to 16 but there is no requirement for them to sit an external examination in Welsh. This will continue to be a major barrier to the growth of the study of Welsh to A Level.
The target to increase the number of candidates achieving Advanced level Welsh is not a relevant or achievable target for consideration in the context of our local need given the present qualification that is available. The A level Welsh First Language course is recognised as one of the most academic of A level subjects studied, and it is therefore difficult to encourage able students to study the course when they are aware of the academic rigour required in comparison to other A level subjects. The Consortia will continue to raise this with WG and WJEC.
Coleg Gwent have Welsh Second Language courses at Crosskeys and Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone Campuses. Learners on priority bilingual programmes e.g. child care are offered Welsh courses through the Gwent Welsh for Adults Centre. The College has set a target of increasing the number of learners completing additional Welsh courses by 10% each year for the next 3 years. All learners complete Welsh language awareness units and are encouraged to evaluate the benefits of bilingualism in the workplace. The College has an active Welsh Club providing opportunities for learners to participate in informal events e.g. trips, outdoor activities (Urdd). The College has set a target for increasing the participation in Welsh Club events by 10% each year for the next 3 years. Staff development opportunities are offered to all staff to further develop their bilingual teaching skills and
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embedding the Welsh dimension. The College has set a target of increasing the number of learners completing work in Welsh by 10% each year for the next 3 years. The College enjoys a very good working relationship with Menter Iaith together with numerous activities organised in conjunction with the Urdd.
The local Urdd, Youth Service’s Welsh language provision and Welsh language/bilingual clubs organised by the play service and Menter Iaith groups will work with schools and the community to provide opportunities to practise their Welsh skills in less formal situations. Pupils from both Welsh and English-medium schools will have access to a variety of opportunities to practise their Welsh language skills in formal and non-formal settings.
Adran Pontypwl meets weekly and open to children in Yr 3-6. There are over 500 members in Torfaen, which includes children and young people from Welsh and English Medium schools. They take part in a wide variety of activities including Residential Trips, Eisteddfodau and sporting activities. All these activities offer them the opportunity to use their Welsh outside of the classroom. Urdd Youth Officer works closely with Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, and offers the pupils opportunity to use their Welsh outside of the classroom. The local Urdd work closely with the schools in Torfaen and are looking to extend this provision to reach more schools.
Data (where available) supporting all Outcomes is included in Annex 1.
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Outcome 6: Welsh medium provision for leaners with additional learning needs (ALN)
Objectives:
Develop plans to provide specialist Welsh-medium primary provision within a mainstream primary school within the consortium To work in collaboration with SEWC partners to share specialist support in Welsh.
Supporting Statement:
The EAS Welsh in Education team established a Welsh-medium ALN working group to support WESP Outcomes 6 during 2016- 17. This group includes school based representatives (Primary and Secondary) assigned by the regional Welsh-Medium Headteachers forum and Welsh speaking multi-disciplinary ALN expertise from most LAS across the region. This group in now on of the four agreed task and finish groups that will formally report to the Regional Welsh in Education Forum within the next planning cycle. Membership will be formalised ensuring full regional coverage. During 2016-17 academic year the group developed a directory of regional best practice and available support for Wels-Medium school. Development work during the next cycle will include: Further development of teh regional best parctice toolkit, shring of the work within and across the LAs; Development of an ALN training programme; Formally audit availability of expertise to schools from each LA and neighbouring authorities; and Expolre regional opportunities for the sharing of specilaist expertise.
In Torfaen, parents that have requested a Welsh Medium place gets a place where it is required, which means there are no gaps in the provision, and in the vast majority of cases (over 90%), parents get their first preference.
In Torfaen a group of schools represent all schools (Primary, Secondary, Nursery, Special School in both English and Welsh medium) in the form of a school to school ALN steering group. The group share views and good practice; track the impact of ALN provision across schools (patterns and themes); feedback to schools and LA, consult with all schools via ALNco groups and head teachers meetings; manage distribution of the ‘contingency’ ALN fund; secure high quality ALN provision across all schools in
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partnership with the LA working in partnership with the LA to ensure schools meet Welsh Government legislative expectations and expectations of the new LA Reforms. The intention is to add a Mudiad Meithrin representative to the group.
The Welsh ALNcos group is a support forum for the four Welsh-medium school ALNcos which meets twice a term under the guidance of the EP (welsh speaking). The agenda is mostly led by the needs and issues of concern for the ALNcos themselves.
During the last year a number of LSAs from Welsh-medium schools have accessed training provided by the Torfaen Literacy Support Team to develop their skills in supporting children with literacy issues.
Further sessions are planned for 2017. In addition a number of guests have addressed the group to talk about their provision and areas of expertise including Mr Roger Thurlbeck (Manager of the Multi-sensory Impairment Team) and Mrs Elen Roberts (EAS Welsh Advisor) regarding Welsh language courses provided by the EAS and available to the group.
Other sessions have included opportunities for group members to share Welsh-medium resources and problem solve issues pertinent to Welsh-medium schools.
Outcome 7: Workforce planning and continuing professional development. Objectives:
Audit practitioners’ Welsh language skills (teachers and TAs) Welsh and English-medium schools and Cylchoedd Meithrin on an annual basis to assess training needs. Draw up systemic plan for release of staff to Sabbatical Scheme training in collaboration with schools and clusters. School improvement plans to demonstrate commitment to improving practitioners’ linguistic skills, working with Welsh in Education Officers (English medium schools) and through planning for systematic release of staff to attend Sabbatical Scheme training (Welsh and English-medium schools) according to needs analysis. Improve the career advice that is given to young people. It’s important that they are aware of the how they can use Welsh in the work place.
Supporting Statement:
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Current regional uptake on Sabbatical scheme training is low (Welsh and English medium schools) and not planned for strategically therefore the LA will work with schools to plan for systematic release of staff and TAs to attend WG Sabbatical Scheme training in response to needs expressed in Welsh language audits undertaken. A cluster by cluster approach may be adopted. Improving staff language skills, particularly in English-medium schools in Torfaen will be vital in implementing the Successful Futures vision and moving forward with the 2015 Million Speakers’ agenda. Torfaen is exploring the need to set a task and finish group with Headteacher representatives, EAS consortia colleagues and LA officers in establishing a Sabbatical protocol to strengthen the delivery of Welsh medium provision across the whole of Torfaen. The aim is to have the protocol in place by September 2018. The longer term aim is to increase the numbers of practitioners with necessary Welsh language skills and qualifications available to work in all settings including Welsh medium childcare and schools.
Following the 2014 CSA is was identified that childcare providers expressed the need for wanting more Welsh language support. To address this Torfaen Early Years applied for out of school childcare grant funding. This was sorely to provide Welsh language training. In 2016/17 beginner level training occurred which resulted in those learners moving onto intermediate level training in 2017/18. 40 individual childcare practitioners developed their Welsh language skills throughout the entirety of the training period. 33 childcare practitioners attended Cymraeg i Ofal Plant (basic level) and 19 attended Cymraeg i Ofal Plant: Camau Nesaf (intermediate level). Of the 19 that attended Cymraeg i Ofal Plant: Camau Nesaf 12 had previously attended Cymraeg i Ofal Plant and 7 were ‘new’ learners. The course proved a great success and the childcare providers left the course enthused and engaged with the Welsh language and requesting further courses, which was evident by comments to tutors and comments made on the evaluation forms. This training was delivered through the CWLWM partnership where all partners delivered training. For 2017/18 the aim is to provide bespoke packages of support for individual settings.
Cam wrth Gam (Mudiad Meithrin’s training subsidiary) currently offers apprenticeship opportunities through Progress for Success.In addition, Mudiad Meithrin will consider opportunities to market careers in childcare with year10 and year 11 pupils. Cam wrth Gam has been confirmed with 100 pplaces in the coming year across Wales to develop qualified childcare Welsh speaking staff. Torfaen is looking to explore with Mudiad Meithrin the possibility of Cam wrth Gam in collaboration with Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw as a professional learning hub.
There is healthy collaboration across schools within the LA and through the regional working model. There is a growing Welsh- medium CPD programme (literacy) available to Welsh-medium schools from the EAS with lead Welsh-medium schools sharing good practice within a centrally organised joint programme of advisory and school based support (methodology). There is also a regional school to school programme to support teachers in aiming for excellence in Welsh-medium schools: ‘Anelu at Ragoriaeth’. English-medium primary schools have access to a wide and diverse programme of CPD through the EAS programme of language
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and methodology training. There is also a programme of targeted intervention in place for identified primary and secondary schools to improve the Welsh ethos of schools and practitioner language / methodology.
All schools have access to EAS leadership programmes (Preparing for Headship, NPQH and HT Y1 and Y5). There is support for Welsh-medium leadership through regional peer partnership programmes with facilitation of regional secondments where appropriate. The region’s Welsh-medium secondary schools work in strong partnership, regularly discussing recruitment. To recruit Welsh-medium TAs, the region’s secondary schools to discuss the provision of suitable courses (e.g. Cache) for pupils.
Coleg Gwent has a programme of continuous professional development for all teaching staff to develop their skills in embedding the Welsh dimension. In collaboration with Sgiliaith, the College offers training for managers in embedding Welsh into the curriculum together with practical help for teaching staff in supporting and encouraging learners to use and develop their Welsh language skills. Currently around 6% of Coleg Gwent academic staff have Welsh language skills and these staff are actively encouraged and supported to use these skills with their learners. Welsh for Adults courses are offered free of charge and during work hours for all Coleg Gwent staff with 31 staff enrolled on courses starting in September 2016. The College has recently approved a new recruitment policy with the aim of increasing the number of teaching staff able to deliver bilingually by 10% each year for the next 3 years. From September 2016, posts that fall within the Welsh Government’s Bilingual Priority Areas e.g. child care will be Welsh essential or a commitment to learn Welsh to an intermediate level within 2 years (fully funded by the College).
Signed: Date: December 2016
Dermot McChrystal Councillor David Yeowell September 2017 Head of Education Service Executive Member for Education December 2017
To be signed before submission to WG by the Chief Officer for Education, Torfaen County Borough Council following approval by the Executive Member for Education.
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Torfaen WESP 2017 – 2020 ANNEX 1
DATA:
The data set out below is referenced within the body of the WESP against the relevant Outcome. Outcome 2:
Date Welsh Number of Foundation Phase Number of children Foundation Phase TOTAL number of medium children Nursery moving onto transitioning from Nursery children moving Flying Start leaving English medium to onto Welsh medium setting Welsh medium Foundation Phase Foundation Phase nursery July 16 Cylch 4/5 Ysgol Panteg 5 Ysgol Gymraeg 9 Cwmbran Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran Cwmbran Ysgol Gymraeg Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran Cwmbran Ysgol Panteg Ysgol Gymraeg Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran Cwmbran Maendy
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Welsh Nursery – not stated which one
December Cylch 1 Ysgol Panteg 6 Ysgol Cymraeg 7 16 Abersychan Cwmbran Ysgol Bryn Onnen Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran Ysgol Bryn Onnen Ysgol Bryn Onnen Ysgol Panteg April Cylch 1/2 Ysgol Bryn Onnen 5 Ysgol Feithin 6 2017 Abersychan Brynteg Nursery Ysgol Panteg Ysgol Feithrin Ysgol Bryn Onnen Ysgol Bryn Onnen
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July 2017 Meithrinfa 2/2 Ysgol Gymraeg 4 Ysgol Gymraeg 13 Pontnewydd Cwmbran Cwmbran Ysgol Panteg Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran
Cylch 7/7 Meithrin Ysgol Feithrin Abersychan Ysgol Feithrin Ysgol Gymraeg Ysgol Bryn Onen Cwmbran Ysgol Bryn Onen Ysgol Panteg Ysgol Bryn Onen Ysgol Bryn Onen Ysgol Panteg
Total 15 20 35
98% of the pupils that attend Ysgol Meithrin Pontypool transition into Welsh Medium reception classes.
This is the first year of capturing this data. This will now continue on a termly basis in conjunction with Mudiad Meithrin.
Outcome 5:
Current Position 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 Welsh-medium:
FP O5 91.9% 85% TBC (Results increased by 0.6 percentage points on 2015 (91.3) TBC Performance is 1.2 percentage points above Wales (90.7%) Performance is marginally below SE Wales (93.4%) The 3-year trend shows an increase of 0.6 percentage points
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O6 performance also above Wales).
KS2 L4 97.9% (Results increased on 2015 by 0.5 percentage points (97.4%) 97.6% Performance is above Wales (90.8%) by 7.1 percentage points 93.8% 92.3% Performance is above SE Wales (93.1%) by 4.8 percentage points. The 3- year trend shows an increase of 5.9 percentage points Torfaen is ranked 1 in Wales in 2016 which is on a par with 2015 53.2% 46.9% 52.9% L5+ performance is also above Wales).
KS3 L5 87.7%. This is based on the performance of 1 school. 94.15 (Results have increased by 0.7 percentage points on 2015 (87%) Performance is below Wales (92%) by 4.3 percentage points 87.7% 87.9% The 3-year trend shows an increase of 0.3 percentage points 43.7% L6+ performance is also below Wales). 44.4% 41.6%
71.3% KS4 A*-C Provisional L2 data: 75.4% A*-C (Lag/Lit). Welsh Language 68% 69.8%
Only: 77.8% (A/A* Language of 6pp).
(A/A* Language of 6pp).
Welsh 2nd Language:
KS2 L4 82.9% (Results increased on 2015 by 4% 86.9% Performance is above Wales (78%) by 5% 85.2% 91% Performance is slightly below SE Wales (84.4%) Torfaen LA is ranked 4 in Wales in 2016 up on 2015 by 4 places
L5+ performance is also above Wales). 25.7% 32.4% 33%
KS3 L5 82.7%
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(Results increased on 2015 by 2.8% 87.1% Performance is above Wales (81.9%) by 0.8% 86.5% 85.4% The 3year trend shows an increase of 5.4% Torfaen LA is ranked 12th in Wales in 2016 up on 2015 by 3 places.
L6+ performance is below Wales). 53.9%
48% 50.4%
KS4 A*-C Full Course - 2016 results - 60.8%
KS4 A*-C Short Course - 2016 results – 25.1%
What percentage of the cohort is entered for (i) GCSE Welsh Second Language Full Course – There was a slight decrease in entry figures again this year and one less school entered in 2016. It was noted that all schools are entering numbers in double or triple figures. Entry figures of 54.8% are well above the Consortia and All Wales figures.
(ii) GCSE Welsh Second Language Short Course – A significant decrease in entry figures in 2016 but number of schools entering stayed the same. All schools have entry numbers in double No expected figures and thus enter a significant percentage of the cohort and increase pupils of all ability levels. Cohort entry of 27.2 % is below the Consortia and All Wales entry figures this year. Some schools enter pupils for two short courses and their performance has been reflected in the full course results. However, it is important
Torfaen WESP 2017-2020 32
to bear in mind that those pupils entered for two short courses will be mainly the more able and this will reflect on the A*-A and A*-C results for Short Course.
More learners with higher-level Welsh language skills What are the current total A Level Welsh first language entries as a percentage of GCSE Welsh first language entries two years earlier?
11 pupils – A level, 3 pupils– AS level Welsh
What are the current total A Level Welsh second language entries as a percentage of the full and short course GCSE Welsh second language entries two years earlier?
12 pupils – A level, 0 pupils – AS level Welsh
Torfaen WESP 2017 – 2020 ANNEX 2
List of statutory consultees
A local authority must consult the following on the Plan in draft format and the period of consultation will last for 8 weeks. The timescales for the process of consultation and submission to Welsh Government follow in Appendix 3. Section 84 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013: neighbouring local authorities the head teacher of each school maintained by it the governing body of each school maintained by it
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each institution within the further education sector in its area in relation to any foundation or voluntary school in its area – - the person who appoints the foundation governors - if the school has a religious character, the appropriate religious body other prescribed persons.
“Other prescribed persons” are listed in Regulation 9: the Welsh Language Commissioner the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership school councils Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales such organisations providing services to children and young people as the local authority considers appropriate such other persons or bodies as appear to the local authority to be appropriate.
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Torfaen WESP 2017 – 2020 ANNEX 3
2016 21 October Torfaen County Borough Council to launch consultation of Draft WESP – consultation should last for at least 8 weeks (Regulations 9 (3)). Draft WESP including Timescales will be published on Council web site and issued to all stakeholders
Mid November Welsh Government to send Mudiad Meithrin data to local authorities.
End November Workshop for Members of the Torfaen Welsh Education Forum to note the comments to date on the consultation and further inform the final draft WESP
16 December Consultation period ends
19 December Final Draft WESP produced
19 December Members of Torfaen Welsh Education Forum and the Executive Member for Education sign off the Final Draft WESP for submission to Welsh Government
20 December Torfaen County Borough Council to submit the Final Draft WESP to Welsh Government and publish it as a draft on the Council web site.
2017 31 January Welsh Government to notify local authorities of Minister’s decision.
14 February Submission deadline for modifications by Torfaen County Borough Council.
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23rd April Torfaen visit - Aled Roberts on behalf of WG 4th August Letter received from Alun Davies AC/AM Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language 15th August WG Colleague Nerys Howells discussing above letter with Torfaen LA officers
29th September Torfaen County Borough Council to launch 2nd consultation of Draft WESP. 20th November Consultation period ends
28th November Chief officer for Education, the Executive Member for Education and Torfaen WEF sign off the Final Draft WESP for submission to Welsh Government 4th December Torfaen County Borough Council to submit the Final Draft WESP to Welsh Government and publish it as a draft on the Council web site.
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