VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL WELSH EDUCATION SCHEME
‘A Welsh Education Scheme which has been prepared in accordance with the requirement of the Welsh Language Act 1993’ 2009 - 2014
Mr B Jeffreys Director of Learning and Development Provincial House Kendrick Road Barry CF62 8BF
Gwasanaeth Gwella Ysgolion/School Improvement Service
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 2. Main aims and objectives of the Welsh Education Scheme 3. Future developments 4. The County’s Children and Young People’s Plan and its relation to the Welsh Education Scheme 5. Geographical and linguistic background 6. The state of the Welsh language since 1990 7. History and development of the authority’s Welsh Language Policy 8. Growth and development of Welsh-medium education in the LA 9. Mapping the Development of Welsh as a second language within the LA 10. School Definitions and linguistic categories 11. Current provision 12. Welsh-medium nursery and early years education 13. Primary schools and Primary education 14. Secondary schools and Secondary education, including the Careers Service and Youth Service 15. Post -16 provision 16. Additional Learning Needs (ALN) 17. School catchment areas 18. The transport policy 19. The funding policy for Welsh-medium education 20. The Athrawon Bro Service and the Advisory Service 21. Language Centres 22. Information for parents about Welsh-medium education 23. Training and services for School Governors 24. Staffing and recruitment 25. Community Education and Basic Skills 26. Links with other authorities and organisations 27. Monitoring 28. Targets and implementation timetable by Sector
APPENDICES 1. Census data : Welsh speakers by individual electoral wards 2. List of INSET courses to support the development of Welsh in schools 3. Trends in Full Time Pupil Numbers 1998-2008 - Welsh-medium Schools 4. Projections of Welsh-medium pupil numbers 2010-2014 5. Sample Survey Form for Assessing Demand for Welsh-medium Provision 6. Summary of Findings re: Survey of School Preference 2009 7. Map of Vale of Glamorgan schools 8. Vale of Glamorgan Welsh Language Policy 9. Table of GCSE and Post 16 Courses
2 WELSH EDUCATION SCHEME
Section 1: Introduction
1. In March 2008 the Vale of Glamorgan Council published a Welsh Language Scheme in accordance with the requirements of the Welsh Language Act 1993. It was approved by the Welsh Language Board, and states how the Council, in its dealings with the public, will treat the Welsh and English languages on the basis of equality.
Under Section 5 of the Welsh Language Act 1993, the Local Education Authority is required to provide a Welsh Language Scheme dealing specifically with Education. For ease of reference this Scheme is called a "Welsh Education Scheme".
2. The “Welsh Education Scheme” forms part of the Main Language Scheme. a) The Vale of Glamorgan’s Welsh Education Scheme was approved by the Welsh Language Board under Section 14(1) of the Welsh Language Act 1993, in January 2000. Following the Welsh Education Scheme’s three year implementation period, this Scheme becomes its successor. b) This Welsh Education Scheme was approved by the Welsh Language Board under Section 14(1) of the Welsh Language Act 1993 on May 5th 2010. c) The commitments and arrangements contained in this Welsh Education Scheme have been approved at the highest level, and the Scheme will be implemented bearing the full authority and support of the County Council of the Vale of Glamorgan. d) Should any targets in this Welsh Education Scheme require the implementation of further statutory procedures, these will be fully implemented according to appropriate legislative requirements such as the terms of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
Further information regarding the “Welsh Education Scheme” is available from:- Lynette Jones Head of Achievement Provincial House, Kendrick Road, Barry, CF62 8BF 01446 709734 [email protected]
3 Section 2: Main Aims and Objectives of the Welsh Education Scheme
Aims and Objectives.
• To ensure that Welsh-medium education is available to all children whose parents/guardians wish them to receive their education through the medium of Welsh, and this within reasonable travelling distance from the children's homes. This means children of pre-school age and above.
• To ensure a developing continuum from Welsh-medium primary education through to Welsh-medium secondary education. Pupils who have received their primary education through the medium of Welsh will be able to attend a Welsh-medium secondary school; to promote a linguistic continuum from KS4 onwards through to their lifelong learning career for pupils and students within the county.
• To ensure that Welsh is taught as a first and/or second language on the timetable of all the County's schools, in accordance with the National Curriculum's statutory requirements for all key stages; to ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to sit an externally accredited examination in Welsh by the end of KS4.
• To ensure that children and young people with additional and special educational needs receive linguistic equality of opportunity in terms of Welsh-medium education, during the entire Statementing process, and this in line with the SEN Code of Practice for Wales.
• To ensure that all pupils attending a designated Welsh-medium school are able to speak, read and write Welsh fluently by the end of KS2.
• To work in partnership with all schools in order to improve the standard of Welsh as a first and second language. All of the County’s schools will receive advice and support from an adviser on the Welsh language and from school support services. Further support will be provided by Athrawon Bro who visit schools and monitor school’s language standards on behalf of the LA.
• To run and promote the existing In-Service Training Programme that supports the development of Welsh as a first and second language, and to provide opportunities for pupils to improve their knowledge and understanding of the cultural, economic, environmental, historical and linguistic ethos/characteristics of Wales via the Cwricwlwm Cymreig.
4 Section 3: Future developments
3.1 Targets to be transferred from Previous Scheme The majority of targets from the last scheme have been addressed and those which have not, have now been incorporated into the new targets within the Children and Young People’s Plan 2008-2011.
3.2 The County’s Vision The Vale of Glamorgan Council is committed to continue to seek to extend the choice for parents and pupils within the Vale of Glamorgan to pursue Welsh-medium education. In pursuing this strategic goal, the Council is committed to embracing Welsh as a medium for education and for social and cultural activities. We will have succeeded in our aims when the Vale of Glamorgan is recognised as an area where the Welsh Language is valued, widely used and celebrated.
3.3 Strategies for the Future The delivery of this vision will be dependent on a number of key factors. These include:-
[1] Ensuring that current and latent demand for Welsh-medium education is assessed, reviewed and responded to within available resources (see targets 1.i.2, 1.ii.1, 1.ii.2, 3.i.1, & 5.i.1)
[2] Ensuring that in the planning of school places opportunities to promote Welsh-medium education are identified and pursued (see targets 1.i.2, 1.ii.1, 1.ii.2, 3.i.1, & 5.i.1)
[3] Developing coherent provision which enables learners to secure, and build upon their Welsh language skills during transition between early years, primary and secondary phases (see targets 2, 3(v) and 4)
[4] Ensuring effective Community School developments with regard to Welsh-medium development and initiatives (see target 12)
[5] A commitment to work with partners and “make the connections” to enhance Welsh- medium provision
[6] A commitment to quality, recognising that the success of the Welsh Education Scheme will be dependent upon the quality and commitment of Education staff and partners involved in delivery (see all targets).
Whilst the Vale of Glamorgan Council can be proud of the progress it has achieved in Welsh- medium education in recent years, it is our clear expectation that the actions detailed in the Welsh Education Scheme will have a direct and positive impact to further improve the quality and scale of Welsh Education provision within the Council area.
3.4 Strategic Planning of Welsh-medium Provision
The Vale of Glamorgan Council regularly reviews pupil projections for Welsh Medium Education based upon a range of factors including admission data and parental preference. In the Summer of 2009, the Local Authority conducted a survey to assess the current and latent demand for Welsh Medium Education in the Vale in accordance with the requirement of the Welsh Assembly Government as outlined in the Children and Young People’s Plan (2008-2011). This survey was sent to all parents of pre-school age children in the Vale (see Appendix 5).
The findings of the survey (see Appendix 6) have now been collated and have assisted the local authority in preparing a Strategic Plan to address the current and future needs of Welsh Medium Education in the Vale (see Target 3i.1).
5 The Strategic Plan identifies gaps and the location of shortfalls in provision within the Vale. The Strategic Plan also identifies the resource implications of addressing demand.
The Strategic Plan for Welsh-medium Education will be updated on an annual basis as part of the regular review and analysis of pupil projections and admissions data across the authority.
As with all schools in the Vale of Glamorgan, unutilised or surplus places at Welsh-medium Schools are regularly reviewed and monitored in relation to catchment area demographics.
6 Section 4: The County’s Children and Young People’s Plan and its Relation to the Welsh Education Scheme
4.1 The County’s Children and Young People’s Plan 2008-2011 demonstrates a commitment by the LA to advance its education and training agenda, and to continue to raise attainment from their current levels. Central to this commitment is the fundamental element that ensures pupils and students are provided with the educational stimulus to promote their language skills leading to bilingualism, and thus the appropriate proficiency in Welsh and English to meet the needs of the communities served by our schools.
The Education Service in the Vale of Glamorgan is committed ‘to provide high quality, accessible learning opportunities which meet the needs of learners of all ages and to develop and promote a culture of lifelong learning for all’. The service will deliver this commitment by supporting schools, promoting inclusive learning and partnership.
4.2 The Children and Young People’s Plan states;
The vision contained within the Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) states clearly the objectives of the LA and sets out the Local Authority’s approach. The Education Service will endeavour to:
• Promote a learning culture where all individuals expect, and are entitled, to be engaged in a lifelong learning process through which they develop skills, attitudes and knowledge necessary to make choices about their lives, contribute positively to the wider community and achieve personal success. • Work with schools and other partners to provide education of the best possible standard to all children and young people in the Vale of Glamorgan. • Develop Schools as inclusive institutions • Set out the authority’s conclusions on the need to add or remove school places so as to match school provision with identified need in all sectors and its strategy to achieve a match between supply and demand. The Children and Young People’s Plan is a major tool in achieving this aim and a key determinant in the drive to raise standards of achievement. • Support all plans relevant to the Education Service including the Council’s Corporate Plan, CYPP, Communication Strategy and Education 2015 in achieving its commitment to high quality accessible learning for all. • Address parental preference for different schools and for Welsh-medium Education. • Further the Council’s commitment to provide for early years, sixth form pupils and pupils with Special Educational Needs. • Support and promote the quality of the curricular provision in schools by working closely towards improving performance and raising standards.
In terms of the CYPP’s priority areas and key objectives the following are particularly relevant to the Welsh Education Scheme:
Partnership Plan (Blue Document) Page 19 Access to Education The actions we will take - second bullet point Page 37 Bullet point 5.3 Page 39 Cultural Identity and Race Page 40 The actions we will take Page 67 Section 5 (5.4)
Action Plan (Green Document) Page 40 PTE 10 PTE 11
7 Page 41 PTE 12 PTE 13
4.3 The Welsh Education Scheme will include specific cross-references to the Children and Young People’s Plan wherever appropriate. To obtain a copy of the Children and Young People’s Plan from the LEA, contact:
Val Lewis Children and Young People’s Framework Co-ordinator Civic Offices Holton Road Barry CF63 4RU Tel: 01446 709221 E-mail: [email protected]
8 Section 5: Geographical and Linguistic Background
5.1 The Vale of Glamorgan Council is a Unitary Authority established when local government was reorganised in Wales in April 1996. It has 47 elected Councillors. Within its existing boundaries there is a wide range of linguistic, cultural and social traditions, often based on the nature of the different kind of communities in the County.
The Council serves 123,275 inhabitants (ONS figures mid-2006) in a mixture of urban and rural areas. The Vale of Glamorgan Council administers an area of 33,097 hectares, extending from Penarth in the east to Nash Point in the west. The M4 forms the Council’s northern boundary. The main centres of population include Barry, Cowbridge, Dinas Powys, Llantwit Major and Penarth.
Barry, with a population of 48,000, is the Vale’s administrative centre, a seaside resort and port. Cardiff International Airport is located at Rhoose, 3 miles West of Barry. 12,987 (11.3% of inhabitants aged 3 and over) Welsh speakers live in the County (Census 2001). The 2001 Census figures state that 29.37% within the 3-15 age group and 14.55% within the 16-24 age group are Welsh speakers. (See Appendix 1)
5.2 In the Vale of Glamorgan, as in a number of other Unitary Authorities in Wales, there is a substantial difference in the percentage of Welsh speakers within the various communities. In Llandough ward, only 8.6% of the population can speak Welsh while 13.1% are able to speak the language in Llandow – Ewenny ward.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is responsible for providing electors within a range of local government services. These are supplied by the following departments, from the main centres in the Civic Offices, Provincial House and the Docks Offices in Barry, and from a number of smaller centres including St Hilary Court, Cardiff and the Alps, Wenvoe:
• Chief Executive’s Department • Community Services • Environmental & Economic Regeneration • Finance, ICT and Property • Learning & Development • Legal & Regulatory Services
The County’s Directorate of Learning and Development is based at Provincial House and the service provides education for children aged between 3 and 19 in schools. 22,157 children aged 3-19 are educated in the County: 10,314 in the primary sector, 9,697 in secondary schools and 273 in special schools. The size of the primary schools varies from 103 pupils at Wick and Marcross CW Primary to 558 at Romilly Primary school, and the size of the secondary schools from 594 at St. Richard Gwyn RC Comprehensive to 1730 at Stanwell (Source: April 2009 School Number on Roll).
5.3 10.7% of the County’s primary pupils and 8.6% of secondary pupils receive Welsh-medium education (Source: April 2009 School Number on Roll). 1.9% of pupils who have Special Educational Needs Statements receive their education through the medium of Welsh.
5.4 The Vale of Glamorgan Council adopted the principle that the Welsh and English languages should be treated equally in dealing with the public and in the administration of justice. This principle is an integral part of the Welsh Education Scheme, and of the Authority’s aim to promote the successful development of Welsh as a first and second language in its educational establishments.
9 Section 6: The State of the Welsh Language Since 1990
6.1 Local Government Reorganisation in 1996 divided the County of South Glamorgan into two Unitary Authorities, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Due to boundary changes, the schools in Wick and Marcross (Aided) and St Bride’s Major (Aided), previously in Mid Glamorgan, were designated to the Vale of Glamorgan.
The population of the Vale of Glamorgan has grown from 119,400 in 1996 to 124,017 in 2007 - an increase of 3%. According to the 1991 census figures, 7,755 or 6.9% of residents aged 3 and over were able to speak Welsh. Statistics taken from the 2001 census show that 12,994 or 11.3% of Vale residents over 3 years of age were able to speak Welsh. This indicates an increase of 4.41% over the 10 year period. Further analysis of the census figures shows that this figure increased to 27% for 5-9 year olds, 36.7% for 10-14 year olds and 37.2% for 15 year olds.
As previously indicated, there is a variation between different areas/wards within the authority. Llandow / Ewenny ward having the highest proportion of Welsh speakers (13.1%) and Llandough ward having the lowest (8.6%) (See Appendix 1).
These figures represent an increase in the number of Welsh speakers amongst residents of the Vale of Glamorgan during the 10 year inter-census period and indicates that the demand for Welsh language services will grow.
10 Section 7: History and Development of the Authority’s Welsh Language Policy
7.1 The Authority’s Language Policy for Welsh (as a subject) has developed since 1990 when Welsh second language became a compulsory subject in the primary curriculum. The authority undertook a phased programme of implementation from 1990 to 1995 and was supported by the provision of the Athrawon Bro Service to enhance the development of Welsh within schools. Since September 1999 the authority has also implemented the statutory requirements for Welsh at Key Stages 3 and 4. The authority has responded to the increased demand for Welsh-medium provision through establishing two new primary schools (in 1991 and 2000) and a Welsh-medium secondary school (in 2000).
7.2 The Authority adheres to the Language Policy of the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the present Welsh Education Scheme for the Vale of Glamorgan. The Authority does not have any additional policies for Welsh.
7.3 The Vale of Glamorgan Council will meet its obligations under the Welsh Language Act 1993 and encourage Welsh speakers living, working and visiting the Vale to participate in the cultural, social, economic and political life of the community through the medium of Welsh. It will achieve this by:
• informing and consulting members of the public using their preferred language; • producing Welsh language information for the public; • encouraging and enabling residents and visitors to access council services through the medium of Welsh or English according to personal choice; • providing Welsh and English language services; • enabling front-line and other key staff to develop their linguistic skills in order to achieve these objectives.
The Council’s revised Language Scheme was approved in March 2008. (Refer to a copy in Appendix 7.)
11 Section 8: Growth and Development of Welsh-medium Education within the LA
The authority provides opportunities for its young people to pursue their education through the medium of Welsh.
The development of Welsh-medium Education within the Vale of Glamorgan is set out in the table below:
School Date NOR April Location opened 2009 Ysgol Sant Ffransis 1952 15 increased Coed yr Odyn, Barry to 320 prior Transferred to Ysgol Sant Baruc in to the 1995/96 opening of the other schools Primary Sant Baruc 1974 209 St Paul’s Avenue, Barry Pen y Garth 1976 251 Redlands Road, Penarth Iolo Morganwg 1979 153 Broadway, Cowbridge Sant Curig 1991 346 College Road, Barry Ysgol Newydd 1996 0 College Road, Barry(pupils transferred (starter classes) to Gwaun y Nant) Ysgol Gwaun y Nant 2000 145 Amroth Court, Gibbonsdown, Barry Secondary Ysgol Uwchradd Bro 2000 834 Colcot Road, Barry Morgannwg
Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg was established as a new secondary school in September 2000. The building development programme was planned in phases between 2000 - 2005. The school is located on the previous lower site of Barry Comprehensive School. In the first instance, the school admitted Year 7 pupils only, with the aim of gradually increasing in number year on year in line with the building schedule. The first cohort of pupils sat their GCSE/external examinations during 2005.
A total number of 1,938 pupils are currently in receipt of Welsh-medium education.
Numbers of pupils receiving Welsh-medium education:
Key Stage 1996 Sept 1999 Sept 2001 Sept 2005 Apr 2009 1 No figs available 499 448 472 504 2 No figs available 600 623 566 600 3 No figs available 0 123 460 403 4 No figs available 0 0 243 285
As % of total cohort(s):
Key Stage 1996 Sept 1999 Sept 2001 Sept 2005 Apr 2009 1 No figs available 10.5 9.6 13.8 12.02 2 No figs available 9.0 9.4 9.0 10.04 3 No figs available 0 2.6 9.3 8.26 4 No figs available 0 0 7.4 8.86
Since 2003 every Welsh-medium school has been able to provide part-time Early Years education.
12 Welsh-medium post-16 provision was provided for at Ysgol Uwchradd Glantaf and Plasmawr at Cardiff up until 2006. This arrangement ceased when post-16 provision became available at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg from September 2006. The latter also works in partnership with Barry College to provide vocational courses for pupils.
Referral of children in Welsh-medium nurseries with speech, language and communication impairment are made directly to the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust. The aim is for all children to attend their local neighbourhood mainstream school as far as possible where their needs will be accurately identified and assessed.
13 Section 9: Mapping the Development of Welsh as a Second Language within the LA
The number of pupils studying Welsh as a second language within Vale of Glamorgan English- medium primary and secondary schools is shown below.
Key Stage 1996 1999 2001 2005 2007/08 2008/09 1 No figs available 4260 4222 3888 3693 3644 2 No figs available 6030 5975 5749 5627 5382 3 No figs available 4706 4637 4468 4382 4477 4 No figs available 2806 3016 3056 3022 2932
9.1 Primary sector
9.1(i) There are 37 English-medium primary schools, 3 nursery, 2 infant and 2 junior schools in the Vale of Glamorgan. Welsh lessons are an integral part of each school’s weekly timetable. Bilingualism is developed through appropriate use of incidental Welsh and by creating a Welsh ethos within the school.
9.1(ii) Training and support through intensive central and school-based training have been provided with the financial assistance of the Better Schools Fund. Support is also provided by the Athrawon Bro Service which is part financed by the Welsh Language Board.
9.1(iii) Since 1998 there has been a significant investment in the development of training for teachers in order to enable them to teach Welsh as a second language within their classroom. The Athrawon Bro Service has also supported this development. Annual monitoring and evaluation reports are submitted to WAG and the Welsh Language Board, with the application for funding for the following year.
9.1(iv) The annual INSET programme is identified through a needs analysis questionnaire to schools, which also gives schools opportunity to identify additional training priorities in relation to Welsh. Training needs of teachers are also identified through school audits conducted by the Athrawon Bro Service and the Welsh second language steering group. As a consequence, the previous pattern of training has been changed to more effectively address the development of teachers’ skills and allow them to gain greater levels of fluency in Welsh. INSET provision includes intensive beginner, intermediate and advanced level courses and courses for Early Years teachers, learning support practitioners, curriculum leaders and headteachers. Training has also addressed the development of reading and writing skills, incidental Welsh, assessment using the DCELLS non-statutory assessment materials, and developing the self-evaluation procedures for Welsh. Courses have also been provided in relation to the Cwricwlwm Cymreig and use of ICT within Welsh second language lessons (see Target 3.iii and Appendix 2).
9.1(v) During the past two years the authority has developed a range of transfer strategies for Welsh second language. Schools have worked in local cluster groups and shared schemes of work, moderated oral, reading and writing work, produced a Key Stage 2-3 bridging unit, trialled the development of extended oral skills, compiled a song book and a list of Welsh music to be used on a cross curricular basis. This development will continue during 2009-2014.
9.1(vi) Pupils with special educational needs who attend mainstream schools have the same access to Welsh as other pupils. The Athrawon Bro service supports teachers in development of differentiated classroom activities and approaches. Staff from special schools attend Welsh courses and are helped to adapt resources to their particular circumstances.
14 9.2 The Secondary Sector
9.2(i) There are 7 English medium secondary schools within the authority. Some pupils attend one of the 3 special schools or the Pupil Referral Units within the Vale. Welsh lessons are an integral part of each school’s weekly timetable. Bilingualism is developed through appropriate use of incidental Welsh and by creating a Welsh ethos within the school (see Target 5.iii).
9.2(ii) At Key Stage 3, all pupils follow the National Curriculum programme of study for Welsh as a Second Language, and are given a NC level at the end of Year 9. The proportions of boys, girls and all pupils achieving level 5 or better within the Vale for the last 6 years are shown in the table below (see Target 5.ii.1).
% Level 5+ 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Boys 37 33 37 36 41 45 45 Girls 62 68 76 75 86 80 83 All 49 50 55 56 62 61 64
The figures indicate an improving trend of performance at KS3. However, the gender gap has increased from 25 to 38% over the indicated period. Gender gaps for Welsh have also increased nationally over the last few years and a similar gender gap exists for English performance at KS3. This inevitably impacts upon the take-up of GCSE full course Welsh by boys.
9.2(iii) At Key Stage 4, the majority of pupils within Vale English-medium secondary schools follow either a full or short-course GCSE course for Welsh. A small number of pupils pursuing non-school based education do not study Welsh. The total numbers and percentages recorded as being entered for GCSE courses are shown in the table below. The remaining pupils were not entered for a variety of reasons including taking Entry Level examinations, vocational examinations, receiving non-school based education or having additional or special educational needs (see Target 5.ii.2).
Numbers and percentages of pupils entered for GCSE Welsh Second Language examinations are indicated below:
Full- Short- % Full- % course course Total course Short- % Total Cohort entries entries entries entries course entries Year entries
2001 1415 749 366 1115 53 26 79 2002 1483 716 502 1218 48 34 82 2003 1519 793 434 1227 52 29 81 2004 1515 783 477 1260 52 31 83 2005 1610 552 654 1206 34 41 75 2006 1589 602 566 1168 38 36 74 2007 1675 441 840 1281 26 50 76 2008 1683 441 817 1258 26 49 75
15 In 2008, all 7 English-medium schools offered a full course option for pupils, two offered both short and full course options and others provided a school based course with certification for pupils who did not opt for a full course. In 2009, two schools piloted a new Welsh GCSE Course - Cymraeg Cynhwysol. Entry levels for short and full course Welsh Second Language (combined) have been around 75-80% for the last 8 years. The remaining pupils were not entered for a variety of reasons including taking Entry Level examinations, vocational examinations, receiving non-school based education or having additional or special learning needs.
Short courses show a significant increase in 2007, however have fallen by 1% in 2008. The authority proposed a target of a 2% year on year increase in full-course entries from the 2005 figure of 34%. (see Target 5.ii.2) and has exceeded this target for 2006 but this target was not met for 2007 or 2008 although short course entry increased from 36% to 49%.
Results for Welsh Second Language for the last 7 years are shown in the tables below.
GCSE Full Course Welsh Second Language
Year A* A B C D E F G U TOTAL No No No No No No No No No 2002 63 97 84 129 126 97 67 23 30 716 2003 64 104 93 147 148 98 72 54 13 793 2004 69 117 103 134 150 95 66 44 5 783 2005 42 81 87 144 67 55 41 17 18 552 2006 26 64 89 183 77 76 43 23 21 602 2007 23 46 66 142 58 51 37 11 7 441 2008 37 80 69 141 46 30 22 11 5 441
% % % % % % % % % 2002 9% 14% 12% 18% 18% 14% 9% 3% 4% 2003 8% 13% 12% 19% 19% 12% 9% 7% 2% 2004 9% 15% 13% 17% 19% 12% 8% 6% 1% 2005 8% 15% 16% 26% 12% 10% 8% 3% 3% 2006 4% 11% 15% 30% 13% 13% 7% 4% 4% 2007 5% 11% 15% 32% 13% 12% 8% 2% 2% 2008 8% 18% 16% 32% 11% 7% 5% 2% 1%
Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% 2002 9% 22% 34% 52% 70% 83% 93% 96% 100% 2003 8% 21% 33% 51% 70% 82% 92% 98% 100% 2004 9% 24% 37% 54% 73% 85% 94% 99% 100% 2005 8% 22% 38% 64% 76% 86% 94% 97% 100% 2006 4% 15% 30% 60% 73% 86% 93% 97% 100% 2007 5% 16% 31% 63% 76% 88% 96% 98% 100% 2008 8% 26% 42% 74% 85% 92% 97% 99% 100%
16 GCSE Short Course Welsh Second Language
Year A* A B C D E F G U TOTAL No No No No No No No No No 2002 21 37 30 124 101 70 57 36 26 502 2003 18 28 35 99 118 72 43 19 2 434 2004 21 23 20 153 114 68 49 23 6 477 2005 5 37 41 191 116 93 94 42 35 654 2006 15 31 43 173 101 85 66 30 22 566 2007 18 51 52 262 161 118 105 56 17 840 2008 14 32 56 254 158 130 93 60 20 817
% % % % % % % % % 2002 4% 7% 6% 25% 20% 14% 11% 7% 5% 2003 4% 6% 8% 23% 27% 17% 10% 4% 0% 2004 4% 5% 4% 32% 24% 14% 10% 5% 1% 2005 1% 6% 6% 29% 18% 14% 14% 6% 5% 2006 3% 5% 8% 31% 18% 15% 12% 5% 4% 2007 2% 6% 6% 32% 19% 14% 12% 7% 2% 2008 2% 4% 7% 31% 19% 16% 11% 8% 2%
Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% Cum% 2002 4% 12% 18% 42% 62% 76% 88% 95% 100% 2003 4% 11% 19% 41% 69% 85% 95% 100% 100% 2004 4% 9% 13% 45% 69% 84% 94% 99% 100% 2005 1% 6% 13% 42% 60% 74% 88% 95% 100% 2006 3% 8% 16% 46% 64% 79% 91% 96% 100% 2007 2% 8% 16% 46% 65% 79% 91% 96% 100% 2008 2% 6% 13% 44% 63% 79% 90% 98% 100%
Performance outcomes (GCSE Grade C or better) have fluctuated over the last few years but with noticeable improvements for full course Welsh Second Language for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 at Grade C or better. This has not been accompanied by a correspondingly large fall in short course Grade C+ outcomes.
9.2(iv) At KS3 and 4, schools access external providers, such as the WJEC to support different aspects of training. Where appropriate, the authority may broker external advisers for specific support activities. Welsh heads of department (from both English and Welsh-medium) meet at least once a year with the authority’s lead secondary adviser to review performance and address current issues e.g. assessment & moderation procedures at KS3.
9.2(v) Pupils with special educational needs who attend mainstream schools, special schools and special units have the same access to Welsh as other pupils.
9.2(vi) 6 of the 7 English-medium secondary schools provide post-16 provision and Welsh Second Language courses operate according to demand. Current 14-19 developments include the audit and evaluation of all pre and post-16 provision within Vale schools and other settings including Welsh Second Language provision.
9.3 Since September 1999 all pupils have been given the opportunity to sit an external examination in Welsh as a second language by the end of Key Stage 4, and this policy continues to be implemented in accordance with the Welsh legislation on education. Some schools have encountered problems in appointing sufficient staff to deliver Welsh Second Language and this has sometimes restricted them in offering the full course options at Key Stage 4.
17 Section 10: School Definitions and Linguistic Categories
10.1 Two linguistic categories of schools exist, Welsh-medium and English-medium schools. The linguistic categories of schools are identified within the Council’s Admissions Policy.
Secondary pupils attend Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg, the single Welsh-medium comprehensive school within the Vale. All subjects except English are taught through the medium of Welsh at Key Stages 3 and 4. The 2004-05 cohort were the first pupils to sit external examinations at the school. There were 434 pupils in receipt of Welsh-medium education at KS4 during the summer term 2008 and, with the exception of non-entrants & non-attendees, approximates to the number sitting external examinations.
Welsh-medium Schools In Welsh-medium schools all subjects with the exception of English are taught through the medium of Welsh. The authority is developing bilingualism in accordance with the guidelines set out in ‘Iaith Pawb’, A National Action Plan for a Bilingual Wales, Welsh Assembly Government 2003 which focuses on:
• encouraging individuals to learn and use the Welsh language; • extending access to Welsh-medium education with initial emphasis on early years and post - 16 sectors; • empowering individuals to make a genuine choice as to the language, or languages through which they live their lives; • an entitlement for all young people to a range of support services in the language of their choice; • actively promoting the benefits of bilingualism.
There are five primary and one secondary Welsh-medium schools within the authority. All schools follow the authority’s Literacy Strategy.
English-medium Schools In English-medium primary schools Welsh is taught as a second language and bilingualism is developed within these settings in anticipation of the requirements of the Foundation Phase from 2008. During 2004-5 the authority produced a Welsh second language scheme of work which is now being followed by the vast majority of schools. Training is provided on different aspects of developing bilingualism such as the use of incidental Welsh throughout the school day; creating a Welsh ethos within the school and developing the teaching of other subjects through the medium of Welsh. The Welsh Adviser and Athrawon Bro service advise schools regarding the development of bilingualism.
In English-medium secondary schools, Welsh is taught as a second language and pupils are offered either a short or full GCSE course in Welsh second language. The percentage of pupils entered for external examinations varies in schools across the LA. For details on GCSE entries see Section 9.2.
During the past three years transition strategies have been implemented to improve continuity and progression between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.
10.2 The number and proportion of Vale pupils who have received or who are currently receiving Welsh-medium education is shown in Section 8.
18 The proportion of KS1 and KS2 pupils educated in Welsh has been generally consistent for the 10-year period under consideration (1999-2009) with this trend set to continue for the future. The proportion of secondary pupils has risen in parallel with the establishment of Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg that has been fully operational to an upper sixth form level since September 2006. The authority is assessing current and projected demand for Welsh-medium primary and secondary school places for the next five years. The LA will analyse the results of the survey of the need for Welsh education and will draw up an action plan to address any further future demand (see section 13.5 and Appendices 4 and 5 for further details).
In the Vale of Glamorgan, a high proportion of pupils continue with their education through the medium of Welsh across the Key Stages. The proportion of pupils transferring between Key Stages within Welsh-medium schools for the last 6 years is shown in the following table:
Transfer Phase(s) 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number and proportion of KS1 KS2 KS1 KS2 KS1 KS2 KS1 KS2 KS1 KS2 pupils transferring between Key Stage 1 and 2 Schools Ysgol Gwaun y Nant 8 8 10 10 25 24 22 21 22 22 Ysgol Gymraeg Pen y Garth 41 42 36 34 47 46 27 25 33 32 Ysgol Iolo Morganwg 18 18 16 16 18 18 22 22 18 20 Ysgol St Baruc 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 28 28 Ysgol St Curig 46 45 53 54 45 45 58 59 48 47
Average Percentage Transfer 100% 99% 99% 99% 100% Number and proportion of pupils transferring between Key Stage 2 and 3
Year 6 145 155 135 145 140 Year 7 144 148 134 144 133
Percentage Transferring 96% 97% 99% 99% 95%
The proportion transferring between Key Stages 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 has been consistently high. The authority proposes a continuing target of a minimum of 99% of pupils transferring between Key Stages 1 and 2 and a minimum of 97% of pupils transferring between Key Stages 2 and 3 (see section 4 targets).
19 Section 11: Current Provision
11.1 Schools Teaching medium Number of schools Nursery Welsh 0 English 3 Infant Welsh 0 English 2 Junior Welsh 0 English 2 Primary Welsh 5 English 37 Secondary Welsh 1 English 7 Special Schools Welsh 0 English 3 Primary SEN Units Welsh 0 English 10 Secondary SEN Units Welsh 0 English 6 Pupil referral units (Primary) Welsh 0 English 0 Pupil referral units (Secondary) Welsh 0 English 2
Children with special educational needs (SEN) may continue their education within mainstream classes up until the age of 18 (16 if not entering Key Stage 5) or 19 if attending a special school.
11.2 Cross County Collaboration. The authority no longer supports pupils attending Plasmawr and Glantaf schools in Cardiff as Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg is now fully operational to an upper sixth form level. Pupils from the Vale of Glamorgan area are able to attend Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg for their Welsh- medium educational requirements.
20 Section 12: Welsh-medium Nursery and Early Years Education
12.1 The Vale of Glamorgan Council endeavours to meet the Welsh Assembly Government Target of providing a free part time nursery place from the term after a child’s third birthday (see target 1:i). Typically, this consists of 5 morning or 5 afternoon sessions and is offered at all five Welsh- medium Primary Schools, as well as one Cylch Meithrin who are registered with the Vale of Glamorgan Council as an approved education providers. Parents are entitled to apply for the setting of their choice, whether English or Welsh-medium and their choice for Early Years education in no way affects their application for a Reception Place. Where possible places will be provided through maximising use of existing capacity within council maintained nursery schools/units or by providing funding for an alternative approved registered provider where there is no state provision within two miles of a child’s residence (see Target 1.i.1).
Full time provision is available only in exceptional circumstances, usually where there is a positive recommendation from the area Health Authority or the Director of Community Services. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is the Admissions Authority for the Nursery Units within the Welsh-medium Primary Schools, and works in partnership with the Cylch Meithrin leader of the approved private provider.
The authority utilises birth and population data in order to project and plan for nursery provision. Pupil forecasts are based on:
• Birth and population data • Data relating to housing developments in the area; and • Base information relating to schools to include school types, catchment areas, entry and leaving ages, building plans, capacities and data on which schools feed other schools
Through its work on projected future figures, the council works to ensure that there are sufficient early years education places to meet the demands of the current early years population (see targets 1.i.1 and 1.ii.1).
Projected figures indicate capacity within Welsh-medium Nurseries and current Cylchoedd Meithrin to meet demand (see table below). However, the Penarth area has recently seen an increase in demand that is currently being assessed with the possibility of establishing a further Cylchoedd Meithrin in the area (see Target 1.ii.4). The survey of the demand for Welsh-medium education will carefully consider the findings in order to inform the authority’s annual school planning process (see 10.2 and 13.5 for further details and Target 1.ii.1). Should projected numbers indicate a shortfall in provision, the Vale of Glamorgan LA in consultation with the Children’s Partnership would seek to increase the number of early years places available by increasing state or registered provider provision.
The numbers of pupils attending reception classes for the last 3 years is shown in the table below:
School 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 Ysgol Gwaun Y Nant 41 22 28 Ysgol Iolo Morganwg 27 28 30 Ysgol Pen Y Garth 48 49 46 Ysgol Sant Baruc 40 37 30 Ysgol Sant Curig 51 57 60 Total 207 193 194
21 12.2 The Early Years and Childcare Strategy In July 2003, the Vale of Glamorgan Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and the Children’s Partnership amalgamated to form the new Children’s Partnership. Members include representatives from the Council, other Agencies and the Voluntary Sector including a representative from Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin (see Target 1.iii.1).
“The over-arching principle of this Partnership is for education, social services and the voluntary and private sectors to work together in the best interests of children 0-10 years” (Early Years Development Plan, April 2005-March 2006).
The Council is committed to the Welsh Language and Equality of Opportunity and has therefore worked to ensure that early years educational providers are available throughout the Authority. The School Improvement Service provides bilingual documentation to support the process of learning.
12.3 The Relationship between the LA and the Voluntary Sector The Authority works closely with partners in the Voluntary sector, notably Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, who, along with the private sector and community services, have contributed to the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (now amalgamated with the Children’s Partnership).
12.4 Numbers attending Nursery Groups / Classes Within the Vale of Glamorgan the Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin have eight Cylchoedd Meithrin, five Cylch Ti a Fi (parent and toddler groups) and one Cylch Meithrin with Cylch Ti a Fi attached (see details below). 309 children attended the Cylchoed Meithrin and 184 children attended the Cylchoedd Ti a Fi during the year 2007-08. The Cylch Meithrin in Cowbridge is a member of the Vale of Glamorgan Early Years Partnership and is funded to provide Early years education. Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin have provided language support to nursery assistants in these settings during the last year and will continue to develop support and to enhance transfer.
Cylchoedd Meithrin (2007-08) Bethel Bethesda y Fro Capel Bethel Canolfan Gymunedol Gerddi Alexandra Heol Plassey Barry Penarth Vale of Glamorgan Vale of Glamorgan Camau Cyntaf Wynebau Hapus St John’s Ambulance Hall Western Vale Integrated Centre Gladstone Garden Station Road Barry Llantwit Major Vale of Glamorgan Vale of Glamorgan Y Bontfaen Y Rhws The Broadshoard Pafiliwn Chwaraeon Cowbridge Ceri Road Vale of Glamorgan Rhws Barry Vale of Glamorgan Yr Enfys Dewi Sant Glyndwr Hall Dewi Sant Methodist Church Hall Glyndwr Road Colcot Penarth Barry Vale of Glamorgan Vale of Glamorgan Cylch Meithrin Dinas Powys (opened Sept. 09) Kynance Hall Mount Road Dinas Powys Vale of Glamorgan
22 Cylchoedd a Fi (2008-09) Bethel Camau Bach Capel Bethel St John’s Hall Heol Plassey Beryl Road Penarth Y Barri Vale of Glamorgan Vale of Glamorgan Dinas Powys Y Bontfaen Kynance Hall The Broadshoard Mount Road Cowbridge Dinas Powys Vale of Glamorgan Vale of Glamorgan Y Fro Gorllewin Western Vale Integrated Childrens’ Centre Llantwit Major Vale of Glamorgan
All LA managed nursery provision is located in the nursery units attached to the five Welsh- medium primary schools. The most recent addition was the nursery unit at Ysgol Iolo Morganwg, which opened in September 2003. Prior to the opening of the nursery, children within the area accessed LA funded nursery provision at Cylch Meithrin Y Bont Faen.
The numbers of pupils attending school nursery groups (Dosbarth Meithrin) for the last 5 years is illustrated in table below.
The proportion of pupils attending nursery units has generally been consistent since 2003. The opening of a nursery unit at Ysgol Iolo Morganwg in 2003 led to an increase in numbers but there was a drop in numbers at Ysgol Pen y Garth nursery unit (in part due to the closure of a Cylch Meithrin in the Dinas Powys area that fed the nursery unit). The school and authority subsequently worked with Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin to address the situation and a Cylch Ti a Fi was established for the Dinas Powys area in September 2006. It is envisaged that a Cylch Meithrin will be established to accommodate these pupils in 2009. As part of Flying Start provision, Cylch Meithrin was established in the Cadoxton area of Barry in 2008. It is the Welsh Assembly Government’s requirement that LA’s utilise a mixed economy approach for early years provision as a whole. Accordingly therefore MYM nursery groups are utilised in some areas to supplement LA provision and ensure sufficiency of places.
23 Nursery Age Pupils
Name of Setting Area Capacity NOR as at April (Part time places) Actual NOR Projected NOR 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Ysgol Gwaun Y Nant Barry 52 29 27 40 47 37 37 40
Ysgol Iolo Morganwg Cowbridge 52 25 18 24 25 30 29 28
Ysgol Pen Y Garth Penarth 76 34 37 38 51 57 48 52
Ysgol Sant Baruc Barry 52 43 42 40 49 49 44 50
Ysgol Sant Curig Barry 76 52 50 51 52 80 82 70
Cylch Meithrin Cowbridge 24 7 8 24 15 12 12 12 Y Bont Faen Cylch Meithrin Rhoose Y Rhws 12 0 7 12 1 0 0 0
Over 98% of nursery children attending nursery classes of schools move on to receive Welsh- medium primary education (see Target 2.1). Additional pupils recorded as attending reception classes for these years may have transferred from the Cylchoedd Meithrin. Data concerning the movement of pupils from the Cylchoedd Meithrin to primary education is not currently available but the authority is working closely with the Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin for this data to be made accessible in the future. When received, the authority will analyse and clarify the position for future years and so have a more accurate and reliable picture of transfer rates. Pending this clarification, a retention rate target of at least 98% is proposed from 2008 (see Target 2.2). For future years a separate target will be set for transfer from Cylch Meithrin to Dosbarth Derbyn(Reception class) and nursery to reception class (see Target 2.2).
12.5 Problems encountered with the Provision Welsh Nursery provision is provided in all areas where there is a Welsh-medium Primary School, as well as in the Rhoose Area. The Vale of Glamorgan is a combination of urban and rural locations, and those children residing in the Rural Vale may have further to travel to either Welsh or English-medium centres.
12.6 Welsh-medium / Bilingual Training INSET provision ranges from intensive beginner, intermediate and advanced level courses. A range of training is provided for early years teachers, learning support practitioners, curriculum leaders and headteachers.
12.7 Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) All Welsh-medium primary schools have provision for nursery aged pupils. The provision is fully inclusive with opportunities for children with special educational needs. Staff are able to access training in Special Educational Needs as for other teaching staff in the County.
Intervention or advice is provided as required from Welsh speaking members of the Council’s Pupil Support Service (educational psychology, specialist teaching -learning difficulties, primary behaviour support, visual impairment support).
24 Currently advice and intervention for children with hearing impairment through the medium of Welsh is available through a Welsh speaking Specialist Hearing Impaired teacher based at the HI Unit, St Cyres.
Referrals of children in Welsh-medium nurseries with speech, language and communication impairment are made directly to the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust. The Trust is able to provide assessment through the medium of Welsh.
12.8 Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) Where projected figures have indicated a possible shortfall in LA provision, the Vale of Glamorgan Children’s Partnership supports 11 providers (one Welsh-medium) in the voluntary and private sector. If the LA is unable to provide nursery provision within a Nursery School or Unit then the place would be funded by the Early Years Grant.
12.9 Early Years Centre There are two centres within the Vale which provide integrated childcare. The Integrated Centre in Llanilltud Fawr has worked in partnership with the Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin in order to set up a Cylch Ti a Fi within the centre because there has been no previous Welsh-medium provision in this area.
The Family Centre at Gibbonsdown does not provide Welsh-medium support at present.
12.10 EYDCP Strategy The Early Years Development Plan may be obtained by contacting the: School Improvement Service, Provincial House, Kendrick Road, Barry CF62 8BF, 01446 709447. Pages 4 and 21 have particular relation to the Welsh Education Scheme.
25 Section 13: Primary Schools and Primary Education
13.1 Primary education provision throughout the Vale of Glamorgan is based on the following categories:
School Type Number of schools Community Infants Schools 1 Community Junior Schools 1 Community Primary Schools 31 Church in Wales A} Aided 7 B} Controlled 3
Roman Catholic Infant Aided 1 Junior Aided 1 Primary 1 Total Primary Provision 46
Of the 31 community primary schools in the Vale of Glamorgan, 5 provide Welsh-medium education. The other 26 community primary schools, along with the remaining 17 primary schools, (which includes the 13 Aided / Controlled schools), provide Welsh as a second language at Key Stages 1 and 2.
The Council’s 5 Welsh-medium primary schools provide a broad and balanced curriculum. Both Welsh and English are taught as core subjects at Key Stage 2. Learning and teaching in all subjects (except English) are through the medium of Welsh (See Section 10).
The 41 English-medium schools teach Welsh as a second language (see Section 9.1).
The 5 Welsh-medium schools offer nursery provision (see Section 12 for further details). The Service for Strategic Planning and Performance deals with admissions to all primary schools. Through the Children’s Partnership, the School Admissions team is aware of children transferring from non-maintained settings to Welsh or English-medium schools. It is usual practice for children to visit their allocated school prior to starting in the Reception class.
13.2 Language Continuum The Council and primary schools work together to ensure a language continuum between the key stages. In recent years, ‘transition units’ have been developed and are successfully promoting more effective curriculum transition between KS2 and KS3 (see Targets 3.iv, 4.i and 4.ii).
The Vale of Glamorgan’s Welsh-medium secondary school has close curricular links with its five feeder primary schools. There are also established Cluster links between primary and secondary subject leaders for Welsh second language. Aspects of learning discussed include incidental language, resources to support teaching and learning and continuity in planning. A statutory Key Stage 2-3 Transition Plan is operational within the Welsh medium cluster since September 2007 (see Target 4.i).
Transfer of information on individual children coupled with entry assessments (child observations) enables teachers and other adults to assess the children’s use of Welsh and understanding of basic Welsh vocabulary. From this entry profile teachers determine the starting point for those children new to KS1.
26 Transition for children of non compulsory school age to National Curriculum (KS1) within the County’s primary schools is addressed as part of a continuum of learning (see above - Welsh- medium schools) and is integral to a school’s strategic planning.
See Section 12 for details on transition data between the Welsh-medium nursery and primary sectors.
13.3 Assessments Welsh-medium primary schools employ a range of assessment tasks to ensure that pupils make effective progress (see Target 3.i.2). Pupils’ reading skills (in both English and Welsh) are now assessed annually using NFER tests and the All Wales Reading Test. The LA subsequently provides schools with analyses indicating year on year progress made by pupils. Year 6 data is also forwarded to the authority’s Welsh-medium secondary school to provide a continuum of performance data and identify where further support and intervention might be required (see Target 4.i).
With the cessation of National Tests, both Welsh and English-medium schools are required to have robust standardisation and moderations arrangements in place to support statutory teacher assessment. Such arrangements must be indicated to the Authority via school development and transition plans.
13.4 Latecomers The demand for provision for latecomers to Welsh-medium education has been very low to date. When circumstances arise the school, in conjunction with the authority will provide additional support for pupils for a period of time prior to full integration. There is a larger influx of latecomers within English-medium schools, particularly schools in the rural Vale which receive pupils from the military base at St Athan. The authority has developed an introductory pack about the area and Welsh for new parents and pupils to the area. This pack is available on the St. Athan Primary school website (see Target 9.1).
13.5 Provision of Places Current and projected demand for Welsh-medium primary school places over the next five years is currently under consideration. Pupil projections are provided in detail at Appendix 4. The Authority has seen an increase in demand for Welsh-medium reception places over the past 3 years that looks set to continue. A survey of Welsh-medium demand is currently in progress, the findings should be available in September 2009. The survey will inform the Authority’s annual school planning process (see target 1.i and 1.ii). The survey will measure the demand for Welsh-medium provision in the Vale of Glamorgan and should findings and projected numbers indicate a possible shortfall in provision, the Vale of Glamorgan LA will seek to increase school provision where necessary.
Since 1998 overall pupil numbers in primary schools have been generally consistent with more than enough places to meet the demand for Welsh-medium Education (See Appendix 3 for trends in pupil numbers 1998-2008).
The Authority regularly reviews Welsh-medium school places as part of the authority’s annual school planning and audit process. Conclusions drawn will inform any school reorganisation programmes considered necessary for the short, medium and long term in respect of school place provision (see Target 3.i).
27
13.6 Vacant Places 2 of the 5 Welsh-medium schools have surplus places (see table below).
Name of School School Capacity Number on Roll Surplus Places (Welsh-medium Primaries) (NOR) – Apr 09 2009 Ysgol Gymraeg Pen-y-Garth 352 251 101 Ysgol Iolo Morganwg 159 153 6 Ysgol Gwaun-y-Nant 209 145 64 Ysgol Sant Baruc 197 209 +12 Ysgol St Curig 426 346 80 Total 1343 1104 239
Pupil projections for the next 5 years indicate that some surplus places will remain. Overall pupil projections for Welsh-medium primary schools are shown in Appendix 4.
13.7 Buildings Ysgol Gwaun y Nant (September 2000) has increased the overall provision for Welsh-medium education. Alterations have taken place at Ysgol Gymraeg Pen-Y-Garth during 2005 that replace existing demountable accommodation with permanent build and the provision of a sports hall on site.
Changes to Buildings
Ysgol Gwaun Y Nant: • Established 2000 previously at Ysgol Sant Curig site for 3 years. • Additional 2 classroom units established September 2009.
Ysgol Pen Y Garth: • 4 demountable classroom units and toilet block with a new permanent teaching block linked to the school. Size of the hall also increased. • New sports hall (3 courts) funded by Big Lottery Fund (2005)
Ysgol Iolo Morganwg: • New 52 place nursery unit added to School including a play area and additional parking. (2006) • Multi-use sports all weather pitch funded by the Big Lottery Fund (2006)
Ysgol Sant Baruc: • No works affecting educational provision
Ysgol Sant Curig: Nursery hard play area extended (2005)
28 Section 14: Secondary Schools & Secondary Education, including the Careers Service & Youth Service
14.1 There are 7 English-medium secondary schools the Vale of Glamorgan where all subjects are taught through the medium of English and Welsh is taught as a second language in Key Stages 3 and 4 to all pupils including pupils with special educational needs. There is one Welsh- medium secondary school, Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg which was established in September 2000 with pupils sitting GCSE examinations for the first time in summer 2005.
All secondary schools, including Bro Morgannwg, are required to address the statutory delivery of Welsh and Cwricwlwm Cymreig through departmental and whole-school policies, subject planning and classroom practice.
14.2 Transition For English-medium schools, three main strategies have previously been employed with regard to Welsh language development:
• the development of a common scheme of work at Key Stage 2 • the development of bridging units • extension of bridging units within clusters
Similar strategies are employed within Welsh-medium schools with an emphasis on the development of language skills.
However, current Transition Plans highlight support for teacher assessment at the end of Key Stage 2 as a statutory requirement.
The LA adviser for Welsh attends termly meetings with the headteachers of both primary and secondary Welsh-medium schools.
Transition is a priority and in particularly at Key Stages 2-3 and are indicated within Directorate plans. The LA has established a strategy team to identify specific areas for development with regard to transition. The main developmental areas are:
• developing consistent teaching and learning approaches • curriculum continuity • assessment, recording and reporting • data transfer.
The LA adviser for Welsh is developing these strategies within both Welsh and English-medium settings while maintaining those elements of existing strategies proving successful.
Transition data between KS2 and KS3 in the Welsh-medium schools is provided in 10.3 and specific targets have been set to ensure a minimum of 97% of pupils transfer from KS2 to KS3 (see Target 4.iii).
All secondary schools within the Vale receive pupil level information derived from standardised assessments administered in Year 6. The assessments include:
• Reading - provides age standardised score & reading age • Mathematics – provides age standardised scores and skill level attainment • Non-verbal – provides age standardised score.
Welsh-medium primary schools also assess Welsh reading ability using the All-Wales reading test which similarly provides age standardised scores and reading ages for Welsh.
29 Analysis of this data enables the LA to provide schools with ‘scattergraphs’ which indicate the relationship between literacy and cognitive development for incoming Year 7 cohorts. This allows secondary schools to plan for pupil grouping and address indicated weaknesses. In addition, the scattergraphs indicate relative progression in English and Welsh reading skills, again allowing schools to plan for appropriate intervention in either language where indicated.
14.3 Assessment At present, there is no formal assessment of pupils’ bilingual skills in English medium schools. However within the Welsh medium secondary sector pupils regularly adopt trans-languaging skills using English materials as a basis for oral and written responses but this is not formally assessed. National Curriculum assessment (for core and non-core subjects) within Key Stage 3 conforms to statutory requirements, individual schools’ assessment and recording policies and to specific developments within individual departments. End of Key Stage 3 teacher assessment outcomes are monitored by the school and LA (see Target 5.i.2 and 5.ii.1).
KS4 and 5 assessment conforms to statutory requirements and the specific demands of external examining boards.
PLASC data at January 2009 indicated the following numbers attending KS4 courses at Bro Morgannwg (see Appendix 9 for further details on GCSE examinations assessed through the medium of Welsh):
Boys Girls Total Year 10 69 73 142 Year 11 77 67 144
Other vocational courses are offered through the medium of Welsh at Barry College. Those undertaken during 2008-09 are shown below:
Course Year 10 Year 11 Hair & Beauty 4 6 Construction 7 11 Engineering 7 5 Cardiff Military Preparation College 7 0
These programmes will be monitored and evaluated. Every effort is made to ensure that the range of Welsh-medium vocational courses available has parity with English-medium provision wherever possible. Additional Welsh Assembly government funding currently supports these provision areas.
14.4 Latecomers There is currently no specific provision for Key Stage 3 and 4 latecomers to the Welsh-medium secondary sector. No requests have been received to date.
Where latecomers enter an English-medium school at the end of KS3 there is no expectation for them to sit an external examination in Welsh second language at the end of KS4.
14.5 Provision of Places From 1996 - 2000, Welsh-medium secondary placements for Vale pupils were provided by Cardiff LA at YGG Glantaf and YGG Plasmawr. No issues arose with regard to available places during this period. YGG Bro Morgannwg opened to Year 7 pupils in September 2000 on the former lower school site of Barry comprehensive school. Those initial pupils sat GCSE examinations in summer 2005. A phased building programme during 2000-2005 has allowed all pupils applying for Welsh-medium secondary education to be accommodated.
30 The sixth form was established in September 2006, and pupils sat A- level examinations for the first time in the summer term of 2007. The admission number for the school is 189 with a school capacity of 1151.
14.6 Vacant Places Current and projected pupil numbers for Welsh-medium secondary school are shown in Appendix 4. Current and projected numbers indicate there are surplus places and that there is sufficient capacity to meet demand for school places over the next 5 years. However, the increase in demand for reception places at primary schools since 2007 will impact at secondary level from 2014 onwards. The authority regularly reviews places in Welsh-medium schools as part of the authority’s annual school planning and audit process (see target 5.i). Conclusions drawn will inform any school re-organisation programmes considered necessary for the short, medium and long term in respect of school place provision (see target 5.i).
14.7 Buildings The development of Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg consisted of an 8-phase programme that converted the lower site of Barry Comprehensive School into a Welsh-medium comprehensive school which is designed around the latest design philosophies. It encompasses environmentally friendly and sustainable issues such as sun pipes and wind catchers together with state of the art technology. The majority of classrooms are furbished with interactive whiteboards.
14.8 Additional Services A significant number of Vale pupils attend Barry College for vocational courses at Key Stage 4. The college has provided Welsh speaking tutors for those YGG Bro Morgannwg pupils currently attending the hairdressing courses.
Careers Wales Cardiff and Vale had their Welsh Language Scheme approved in September 2003. All publications are produced bilingually. Careers Wales endeavours to provide a Welsh language service to Welsh-medium schools wherever possible and sponsor fluent Welsh students to pursue Careers Guidance qualifications.
The Careers Wales database identifies Welsh-medium work experience placements. Schools are able to access this information via their Partnership Agreements with Careers Wales.
There are currently 3 full-time centres and 11 part-time Youth Centres operating within the Vale. The Welsh language is promoted within all areas of provision. Full time youth workers employ and promote the principles described within ‘Opening Both Doors’ (WAY & CWVYS 2002) within their development programmes. Support is provided to voluntary youth organisations and in particular to the youth club organised by the Urdd at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg.
31 Section 15: Post-16 Provision
15.1 Post 16 Welsh medium provision is provided at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg with support from Barry College. The school provide a wide range of Welsh medium courses in academic areas together with an expanding range of Welsh medium vocational courses provided via partnerships with providers both within and outside the Authority.
PLASC data at January 2008 indicated the following numbers attending post-16 courses at Bro Morgannwg:
Boys Girls Total Year 12 45 42 87 Year 13 27 33 60
15.2 The provision of Welsh-medium education for pupils and young people with additional education needs remains to be determined in response to demand.
15.3 Ysgol Bro Morganwg and Barry College between them can provide a number of bi-lingual courses post-16, for example Health & Social Care, Sports, Childcare and Education, Tourism and Travel (See Appendix 8 for courses). The table below shows the percentage of pupils staying on in the sixth form at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg:
Percentage remaining in Sixth form in Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg Year Percentage 2007 52% 2008 56% 2009 67.4%
(see Target 5.i.3)
15.4 The Local Authority’s Annual Network Development Plan for 14-19 Learning Pathways outlines the way in which changes to the life-long learning structures in Wales will be implemented within the Vale of Glamorgan. The Annual Network Development Plan outlines the full range of learning pathways available to all of our 14-19 learners within the Vale.
32 Section 16: Additional Learning Needs
16.1 The County’s Services The entire process of drawing up an SEN statement, including all the documentation, is offered to parents/guardians in Welsh, English or bilingually at the start of the statutory assessment process and is available from Caroline Rees, Head of Additional Learning Needs, Provincial House, Kendrick Road, Barry, CF62 8BF.
The Authority makes every attempt to offer appropriate Welsh-medium provision for pupils with additional needs. All Welsh-medium primary schools and Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg have designated SENCos who receive support from both the Vale Pupil Support Service and School Improvement Service. The Pupil Support Service employs a range of bilingual staff: Educational Psychologist, Specialist Teacher (learning difficulties), Primary Behaviour Support Teacher, Primary- Secondary Transition Teacher and Specialist Teacher for Visual Impairment. The current Head of Additional Learning Needs and Inclusion is also a Welsh speaker. The specialist teacher in the secondary resource base for Hearing Impairment is a Welsh speaker, and could provide outreach to pupils with hearing impairment in Welsh medium mainstream schools. Alternatively, the Authority would seek to ‘broker’ this service from a neighbouring authority.
Referrals of children in Welsh-medium nurseries with speech, language and communication impairment are made directly to the Cardiff and Vale National Health Service Trust, who can carry assessments through the medium of Welsh.
Schools are able to contact appropriate Vale service personnel directly. Applications from Welsh- medium schools or families, for statutory assessment are sent to the Pupil Support Service. They are considered in the same way as all other applications, by consideration of the severity and complexity of the identified difficulties, the involvement of relevant outside agencies and response to intervention at School Action Plus.
The Authority maintains a Service Level Agreement with Special Needs Advisory Project (SNAP) Cymru, with parents being able to request a service through the medium of Welsh. The Council has a reciprocal Disagreement Resolution Service with Cardiff Council and gives the choice of the service being provided in Welsh.
16.2 SEN Code of Practice for Wales - 2002 The Authority complies with the SEN Code of Practice by offering correspondence, advice, assessment and intervention through the medium of Welsh with consideration to resources and funding available. It ensures that outside support services, in respect of advice for parents of children with SEN, procured through a contract or SLA, are available through the medium of Welsh. Documents are translated into Welsh by the Authority’s translation service.
The Authority implements inclusive provision for Welsh SEN and it does not maintain discrete SEN Welsh-medium provision. Specific provision for each child is considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure a needs-based solution, and a Resource Base for those pupils with the most severe and complex difficulties has been established at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg.
16.3 Special Schools or Units The Authority has a clear duty and responsibility to promote and ensure equality of educational opportunity and to increase social inclusion. It strives to allow all children to attend their local neighbourhood mainstream school as far as practically possible and to ensure that their needs are accurately identified and assessed. The majority of children with SEN attend their local school which identify and assess SEN in accordance with the SEN Code of Practice for Wales. Wherever possible, intervention is provided to pupils at School Action Plus without the need for a Statement, whether this is through English or Welsh.
33 The Authority maintains the following SEN provision: -
• 3 SEN units in mainstream primary schools for children with moderate learning difficulties • 4 SEN units in mainstream secondary schools for children with moderate learning difficulties • a resource base for children with hearing impairment in both primary and secondary schools • a resource base for children with physical disabilities, at both primary and secondary level • a Key stage 1 observation class • primary EBD provision • primary speech and language classes
3 special schools, two with residential facilities for children and young people with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder), physical disabilities, profound and multiple learning difficulties and severe and complex learning difficulties are also maintained. Welsh speaking HI teacher based at St Cyres Hearing Impaired Unit is used for outreach work in Welsh medium schools. Where a child whose first language is Welsh requires speech therapy, the LA would liaise with the Health Service to facilitate this. The Authority makes Pupil Referral Unit provision at Key Stage 3 and 4, and provision for pregnant schoolgirls and teenage mothers. These provision areas are English speaking, with specific arrangements to be made for bilingual support and intervention as required.
16.4 Welsh-medium Provision Pupils’ Welsh-medium needs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Where specific Welsh- medium provision is required the Authority will seek support from neighbouring authorities or will provide additional resources for individual pupils in special schools to ensure that a significant proportion of the curriculum is delivered through Welsh.
The establishment of a Resource Base for pupils with the most severe and complex difficulties at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg reduces the potential requirement for additional measures within English-medium special schools. The Resource Base in the Vale of Glamorgan and Maes Dyfan Special School have a key role in supporting Welsh Medium SEN provision at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morganwwg.
The Authority indicates proficiency in Welsh as a desirable element for advertised posts. Links have been established with neighbouring authorities to procure Welsh speaking personnel and services. The Authority has an on-going programme for Welsh learners which is provided by the Council’s Equalities Division which is available to all staff.
16.5 Residential Locations The Council maintains two residential special schools. There has been no request for a Welsh- medium residential placement to date. If this situation were to arise an appropriate placement outside of the Vale would be sought.
16.6 Learning Support Practitioners (LSPs) Welsh speaking LSPs are recruited within Welsh-medium schools. Related training is available for these on request and can be provided by a bilingual Specialist Teacher, Educational Psychologist, Teacher for Visually Impaired children, Primary- Secondary Transition Teacher and Primary Behaviour Support Teacher. Staff in Welsh-medium schools are invited and included in all SEN and LSP related training activities.
16.7 The Athrawon Bro Service and Advisory Teachers The Athrawon Bro and school improvement advisers within the Vale receive SEN related training from the SEN Adviser. Welsh-medium Schools are provided with support and training by the SEN adviser and associate adviser. Welsh-medium Special Education Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos) attend specific training events in relation to SEN.
Pupils identified as more able and talented (MAT) receive additional support and resources. Training for teachers is also available in relation to MAT pupils.
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16.8 Welsh-medium Education for Pupils with SEN Statements
• Ysgol Bro Morgannwg: 6 pupils with Statements • Ysgol Sant Curig: 1 • Ysgol Sant Baruc: 1 • Ysgol Iolo Morganwg: 1
16.9 English-medium Education for Pupils with SEN Statements In English-medium schools there are no pupils with a statement of SEN who come from a home where at least one parent has the ability to speak Welsh (as far as the Authority has been made aware).
16.10 Services for Pupils 14+ Education services as described above continue for pupils aged 14+. All pupils in year 9 have access to a careers interview with Careers Wales. Work placements are arranged through individual schools in conjunction with Careers Wales (see 14.8).
16.11 Service Level Agreements The Council does not maintain Service Level Agreements with health and social services. Both are statutory bodies, bound by the Welsh Language Act 1993 and with a statutory duty to cooperate with the Council in respect of children and young people with SEN.
35 Section 17: School Catchment Areas
17.1 Primary Education Schools are categorised as “Community Schools”, “Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled Schools” and “Voluntary Aided Schools” (which are either Church in Wales or Roman Catholic). There are 2 infant, 2 junior and 42 primary schools in total (see 11.1).
The entry of children to schools is controlled and administered by an ‘Admissions Authority’. In the case of Community and Voluntary controlled schools this is the Vale of Glamorgan Council. In the case of Voluntary Aided and Foundation schools the admissions authority is the Governing Body of the School.
17.2 Welsh-medium Schools Due to the widespread distribution of pupils wishing to access education through the medium of Welsh and the need to ensure that all children can be accommodated, admission to Welsh- medium primary schools are dealt with by the Directorate of Learning and Development in consultation with the Headteachers.
The authority established catchment areas for Welsh-medium primary schools effective from September 2008. The established areas that generally serve the 5 Welsh-medium schools are as follows (see also Appendix 6):
• Ysgol Iolo Morganwg located in Cowbridge serves the western side of the Vale of Glamorgan • Ysgol Sant Baruc, Ysgol St Curig and Ysgol Gwaun y Nant schools located in Barry serve the Rhoose, Wenvoe and Barry area (the three schools have their specified catchment areas) • Ysgol Pen y Garth located in Penarth serves Penarth, Dinas Powys and Sully.
Admissions to Welsh-medium primary schools will normally be granted provided a school’s admission number or statutory class size limit, where applicable, is not exceeded. However, where the number of applications for admission to schools exceeds the number of places available, places will be allocated applying the admission criteria, in the order of priority, as set out below. The Council will not normally exceed a schools standard number or breach the statutory class limit of 30 pupils, where this applies. However in situations where a child is declined an offer of a place at a preferred school, alternative provision will be subsequently offered at one of the other Vale Welsh-medium schools.
Admission criteria in the event of over-subscription are as follows:
1. Children who are currently permanently resident within the designated catchment area of the school on or before the published closing date for receipt of preference forms. In the event of over-subscription by applicants from this category alone criteria (3), (4), and (5), in order of priority, would be applied to produce an order of preference. In these circumstances, pupils outside of the catchment area would not be considered. Evidence of permanent residence of a child must be supplied if required.
2. Children not currently permanently resident within the designated catchment area of the school whose parents have satisfied the Council, on or before the published closing date for receipt of preference forms, that the child will be taking up residence within the catchment area by the commencement of the school term to which the application relates. In the event of over-subscription by applicants from this category alone criteria (3), (4), and (5), in order of priority, would be applied to produce an order of preference. In these circumstances, pupils outside of the catchment area would not be considered. Evidence of permanent residence of a child must be supplied if required.
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3. Children in respect of whom the Council judges that there are compelling medical or social grounds for their admission to a specified primary school i.e. those children recommended for placement with regard to medical, psychological or special education reasons, including looked-after children. (Written recommendations from the Area Health Authority, Director of Community Services, appropriate agencies or professional advisers will normally be required in such cases)
4. Children who have an elder brother or sister in attendance at the school during the academic year in which the child is to be admitted. In considering siblings, the Council determines priority by reference to the age of the pupil’s youngest sibling in the school, the youngest commanding the highest degree of priority.
5. In determining applications for admission in respect of other pupils in the age group, the Council gives particular regard to the degree of proximity of the pupils home to the school, as measured by the shortest available walking route, those living nearest will have priority.
17.3 Secondary Education As previously noted there is one Welsh-medium secondary school in the Vale of Glamorgan. Pupils from the feeder Welsh-medium primary schools follow the county’s guidelines on admission to secondary school.
17.4 Appeals If parents are dissatisfied with the result of an application for a particular school, an appeal may be submitted to an Appeal Panel, which is independent of the Admission Section. An appeal may be made in regards to a decision made concerning either primary or secondary schools. (Information taken from ‘Educating Children in the Vale of Glamorgan’ (A Parental Guide to School Admissions in the Vale 2008-2009).
37 Section 18: The Transport Policy
Local Authorities have a statutory duty to provide pupils with free transport to the nearest available school if they reside beyond ‘walking distance’ to that school. The law relating to ‘walking distance’ is defined as two miles for pupils under eight and three miles for pupils aged eight and over, measured by the nearest available route. However the Vale Council has used its discretionary powers and provides free school transport for:
• primary age pupils residing over 2 miles from their nearest appropriate or designated catchment area primary school • secondary age pupils residing over 3 miles from their nearest appropriate or designated catchment area secondary school. • the 3 mile rule also applies to post-16 pupils.
No free transport for pre-school pupils is provided
The above distance criteria apply to both denominational and Welsh-medium education provision. However, where pupils attend, as a result of parental preference, a school other than the nearest suitable or designated catchment area school then parents accept full responsibility for transport costs and arrangements. Pupils who do not qualify for free school transport may purchase spare places on contract vehicles where available.
The longest distance pupils have to travel to attend Welsh-medium Education in comparison with those pupils who travel to English-medium Education is shown below:
Primary School Welsh-medium 10.19 miles English-medium 9.88 miles
Secondary School Welsh-medium 19.03 miles English-medium 10 miles
38 Section 19: The Funding Policy for Welsh-medium Education
All schools are funded according to a formula agreed and reviewed by the School Budget Forum. Given translation costs and the need to provide documentation bilingually for parents and outside agencies, as well as developing resources in all areas of the curriculum, it has been agreed that all Welsh-medium Schools will receive an additional allocation of £4,022 on an annual basis.
39 Section 20: The Athrawon Bro Service and the Advisory Service (See Targets Section 8)
20.1 Welsh as a First Language The Welsh Adviser located in Provincial House in Barry is responsible for supporting Welsh first language in the Primary sector. The planning for developing and supporting initiatives associated with Welsh First and Second Language is the responsibility of the Welsh Adviser and Head of School Improvement Service.
The Authority has commissioned ESIS to service the Link Adviser role of challenge and support and also support for Welsh first language in our Welsh-medium primary schools.
The work of the Link Adviser for Welsh-medium schools is directed by data / performance analyses in order to determine areas of weaknesses/development within schools. The Link Adviser works with each individual Headteacher to determine the focus of support for each academic year (see Target 3.i.3).
The Welsh Adviser represents the authority on National panels, eg. WJEC.
20.2 Courses and Activities (Welsh as a First Language) A full list of relevant courses available can be found on the Vale of Glamorgan Training Directory.
Welsh-medium schools organise common INSET days, the focus of which is identified through regular needs analysis.
Training courses for the primary sector are identified and negotiated with headteachers. These are then sourced and implemented by the Welsh Adviser from a range of external providers and national bodies e.g. the WJEC.
The Welsh Language Board grant also provides support and funding to encourage schools to undertake extra-curricular activities for pupils. All schools participate in a range of extra curricular activities.
20.3 Welsh as a Second Language The Welsh Adviser leads the Athrawon Bro team which consists of two full time and one part time member of staff. Funding is partly by grant from the Welsh Language Board and partly by the authority. The team is currently located at Provincial House, Barry.
The Welsh Adviser and Athrawon Bro provide support to all English-medium schools to develop Welsh second language, bi-lingualism, incidental Welsh, bi-lingualism, the use of Welsh across the curriculum, Y Cwricwlwm Cymreig and extra-curricular activities, as well as supporting Welsh language development within the Foundation Phase. The team are continually developing resources which are subsequently distributed to schools. The Service is currently developing resources in relation to incidental Welsh, bi-lingualism, interactive whiteboard, Foundation Phase and specific resources to support the assessment of Welsh at the end of Key Stage 2.
School support is targeted in inverse proportion to success and schools are grouped using set criteria (see Target 3.ii).
Each of the Athrawon Bro team has a designated cluster of 13 schools for which they are responsible. The basic allocation of support for schools is a fortnightly visit with additional support provided throughout the year designated to different (targeted) groups of schools.
20.4 Courses and Activities (Welsh as a Second Language) A full list of relevant courses available can be found on the Vale of Glamorgan Training Directory (see also Appendix 2).
40 The annual INSET programme is substantially determined by an annual needs analysis which also provides opportunity to identify specific training needs for individual schools.
Training needs of teachers are identified through school audits, the Athrawon Bro and the Welsh Second Language steering committee. The previous pattern of training set out on a three year rolling programme on three different levels has been changed to predominately address the development of teachers’ skills on a higher level.
Support is provided through classroom methodology sessions, whole school INSET sessions, co-ordinator training and central training for different levels of fluency. The Welsh Adviser has also provided training for Newly Qualified Teachers and Learning support practitioners in the development of Cwricwlwm Cymreig and bilingualism.
20.5 Other Subjects Provision is in place to access (through the WJEC SLA) support for practitioners through the medium of Welsh.
Schools make appropriate provision for Cwricwlwm Cymreig as detailed in National Curriculum documentation. Pupils in both English and Welsh-medium schools have such opportunities to develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the historical, economical, social, cultural and linguistic characteristics of Wales across the curriculum.
20.6 Difficulties The majority of advisory staff within the authority are non-Welsh speakers. While some have a basic knowledge of Welsh and are able to provide a very basic support for Welsh-medium schools they are unable to provide training through the medium of Welsh within their specific subjects. However, advisory staff ensure that teaching resources in subjects other than Welsh are translated and disseminated to Welsh-medium schools.
41 Section 21: Language Centres
The authority does not have a language centre for latecomers. See Sections 13.4 and 14.4 for details on the provision for latecomers.
42 Section 22: Information for Parents about Welsh-medium Education
The annual bilingual publication of the Educating Children in the Vale of Glamorgan booklet – A Parental Guide to School Admissions in the Vale - provides information for parents of pupils in primary, secondary and special education, and for those choosing a school for their children. This document outlines the opportunities available for parents wishing to select Welsh medium education for their children. The booklet is available on request from the Education Department, Provincial House, Kendrick Road, Barry, CF62 8BF.
In Welsh-medium schools additional information is provided for prospective parents on the way in which Welsh is taught and used as a medium of instruction.
The Vale of Glamorgan Schools Admissions Document is available in hard copy from the Directorate of Leaning and Development or online at: http://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/working/learning_and_development/schools/admissions.asp This is available bilingually and explains in detail the different linguistic categories of schools:
For Primary Admissions:
“There are 5 Welsh-medium Community Primary schools located in Penarth, Barry and Cowbridge. The Council is the Admission Authority for Welsh-medium schools. Where the number of applications for admission exceeds the number of places available, places will be allocated applying the admission arrangements outlined on page 8 under a “Community Primary Schools and Church in Wales Controlled Primary Schools” (see section 17).”
And for Secondary:
“Pupils attending Welsh-medium primary schools in the Vale of Glamorgan will be reserved places at the Welsh-medium secondary school, Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg. Places will normally be available to pupils promoting from Welsh-medium primary schools in the Vale. Parents of pupils attending other primary schools may apply for a place by notifying the Learning and Development Directorate in accordance with the procedures previously outlined above.
Where the number of applications for admission exceeds the number of places available, places will be allocated applying the admission criteria outlined for community secondary schools on page 15 (see section 17)”.
The Head of Additional Learning Needs is available to answer parents’ issues and enquiries through the medium of Welsh, including enquiries about Special Educational Needs.
43 Section 23: Training and Services for School Governors
All governors are offered the option to receive communications in English or Welsh. The Governor Support Unit (GSU) produces a termly bulletin, an annual governor training programme and annual Handbook and guidance booklets. All documentation is distributed to each individual governor. All publications and letters are circulated in Welsh to those who have expressed a preference for that option (see Target 11.2).
Some schools experience difficulties in recruiting clerical support. In such cases, the Governor Support Unit (GSU) will assist as far as is practically possible in the recruitment of appropriate staff.
An annual audit will be undertaken to determine the provision available in relation to the above points (see Target 11.1).
44 Section 24: Staffing and Recruitment
24.1 Advertising and recruitment procedures within education follow the same procedures as for other council sectors and are detailed within the Vale Welsh Language Scheme (see also Appendix 7). The Council’s amended Welsh Language Scheme was recommended in March 2008. In general, the education sector strives to provide appropriate levels of response and availability of services by ensuring that a significant proportion of staff at all levels are able to communicate in Welsh. The form and style of advertisements for school-based staff at Vale of Glamorgan community schools is decided by the Headteacher and Governors. The Council encourages schools to adopt good practice in advertisements.
24.2 The School Improvement Service has had difficulties in recruiting Athrawon Bro and needs to increase the number of staff with Welsh language skills overall in the Education Directorate.
24.3 The Council encourages and supports staff and elected members to learn or to improve their Welsh. All new staff are offered an induction to the Council, which outlines the standards of service and an outline of the requirements of the Welsh Language Scheme.
Not all Welsh learning can be funded by the Council. Training in language skills must be prioritised to achieve the greatest value for money. The highest training priority will be for staff who are in posts where Welsh language skills are desirable. Where staff are already in these posts, or where the most suitable appointee needs to develop their linguistic skills further, intensive training will be arranged and funded by the Council, and targets will be agreed for the desired level and timescale. For candidates being offered such a post, this agreement will be established within the letter of appointment.
Training can also be offered to other staff at the discretion of their manager.
Based on information contained in Directorate Training Plans the Corporate Equalities Officer will develop an annual training programme. The delivery of training will be reviewed and monitored on a termly basis in respect of assessment of levels of ability achieved and rates of attendance. Where learners have dropped out of their courses, the reasons will be identified and used to improve the training delivery. Welsh speaking members of staff will be asked to help and encourage Welsh learners to use their Welsh in the workplace.
24.4 To encourage applicants with Welsh language skills, a partnership will be developed with Ysgol Bro Morgannwg and Barry College through a “jobs fair”, work experience opportunities and other means.
45 Section 25: Community Education and Basic Skills (See Targets Section 12)
The strategic development of Welsh language provision for adults within the Vale is overseen by Cardiff University. The Vale Adult Education Service provides a range of courses for Welsh language learners at Barry, Penarth and the rural Vale. Centres within these areas offering Welsh courses are:
• Barry – Palmerston Centre and Barry comprehensive school • Penarth – The Kymin and St. Cyres comprehensive school • Rural Vale – Cowbridge community college, Llantwit Major comprehensive school, WVICC Llantwit Major and Wick Village Hall.
Courses offered range from beginners to advanced (levels 1-4) and are advertised extensively within council publications and on both the council and Vale Learning Network websites.
Bilingual signage is used at the centres and staff use classroom display materials to promote the Welsh language and culture.
Staff development opportunities continue to be offered to Welsh Language tutors including IT training through the medium of Welsh. The Vale Learning Network has also arranged a series of staff development opportunities for other tutors including the use of e-learning materials and the Welsh language. Some tutors are available to teach through the medium of Welsh on request.
A Welsh speaking officer has been appointed to the Community Learning Service to deal with queries through the medium of Welsh. The Community Learning prospectus is produced bilingually and enrolment forms for all courses are available in Welsh.
25.1 Welsh-medium courses are difficult to sustain as class sizes are too small and although courses have been offered in ICT and Tai Chi, take up has been limited. Welsh-medium Adult and Community Learning provision has been identified in the Vale Learning Network Self Assessment Review as an area for development and all ACL providers will collectively plan and market provision across the network.
In order to drive up demand for Welsh-medium courses, ACL staff have worked collaboratively with Community Focused Schools Managers to develop Welsh-medium, parent and children activities in art and craft, in primary schools.
25.2 The Welsh for Adults programme is co-ordinated and delivered locally through a partnership with Barry College, the WEA and Community Learning. The Council plays an active role in the Welsh for Adults Consortia in planning provision, participating in promotional events and contributing to tutor training.
The programme is delivered in main centres in the day and evening through two hour weekly staged and accredited classes. The partnership also encourages learners to take part in a wide variety of extra curricular activities. Some of these activities include coffee clubs, discussion groups and residential experiences.
Catch up and revision sessions are also offered to learners who may experience difficulty keeping up with the course. Staff development opportunities are offered to tutors including IT training and the use of the internet to maximise extra learning resources.
46 25.3 The Council funds and runs adult basic skills courses through DCELLS / DECWL via a franchise agreement with Barry College. To date there have been no requests from people to improve their basic skills through the medium of Welsh. However, in the future the Council could offer the Welsh basic skills curricula through a partnership between the Basic Skills service and the Welsh for Adults Service.
25.4 The Youth Service plays a key role in informal and non formal learning by providing a range of activities and opportunities through the medium of Welsh. Increasing the social use of the Welsh language outside of school in youth work settings where Welsh is to be considered the norm rather than in a bilingual context has been the focus of an Action Plan developed by the Youth Support Service.
Key elements of the plan include:-
• The provision of dedicated Welsh language Youth Service provision in two areas of the Vale. One “The Crib” has been firmly established at Penarth Leisure Centre, whilst a second is planned for Room 102 in Rhoose. An attempt to develop a provision in Cowbridge was unsuccessful.
• The lack of Welsh speaking youth workers has been an issue in developing Welsh language provision, so a decision was made to train Welsh speakers to deliver youth work rather than the traditional approach of training youth workers to speak Welsh. To date, two courses entitled Introduction to Youth Work Training have been delivered through the medium of Welsh to Year 12 and 13 pupils at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg with over 25 young people successfully achieving OCN Level 2 Awards in Youth Work. This policy has been extremely successful and will continue for the foreseeable future (see Target 12.i.2).
• The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is being delivered through the medium of Welsh with over 65 young people currently participating.
47 Section 26: Links with other Authorities and organisations
26.1 The Council is actively seeking collaboration with Education Support and Improvement Service (ESIS) for Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf to enhance the provision of Welsh-medium training and support and in the preparation and sharing of resources and aspects of provision, support and challenge for our schools.
26.2 Urdd Gobaith Cymru The Urdd holds numerous activities for primary and secondary pupils in the Vale. These activities include sport competitions for all types. A number of after school clubs have been established and there are 20 branches in the Vale.
The Council actively supports the Urdd movement through providing support for extra-curricular activities in Llangrannog or the Urdd Centre at the Millennium Centre. These activities are partly funded through the Welsh Language Board and by the authority. There are several schools within the authority who do not receive funding but continue to provide this extra-curricular activity on a yearly basis (see Target 10.2).
Basic Skills Wales All Welsh-medium schools have obtained the Basic Skills Quality Mark and regular meetings are held between the agency and designated adviser within the Council. The Welsh Adviser is a qualified Basic Skills Quality Mark assessor (see Target 10.2).
Local Menter Iaith The Menter Iaith officer was appointed in June in 2003. The officer has developed a programme of events to enhance Welsh within the community. The officer has established a Language Forum which the head teachers are invited to attend to share information and good practice, and to strengthen local networks between organisations that work within the county, and convenes regular Menter Iaith meetings with other personnel linked with developing Welsh within the community.
The Welsh Adviser has good links with the Menter officer and shares developments within education and the community. The officer publishes a quarterly newsletter which lists events within the community during the year. The Menter Iaith has an office based at Unit 12, Barry Community Enterprise Centre.
The Menter Iaith appointed a Field Officer in June 2009, who works closely with families and children and youngsters who attend both the junior and comprehensive Welsh Language Schools, developing a broad programme of activities within the community. The Menter field officer works closely with the Community Focus Schools Welsh Medium Coordinator based at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg.
Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) The WJEC Service Level Agreement enables the Authority to access services provided by the WJEC including the development of new publications for Welsh and Welsh-medium education in both the primary and secondary phase. Each Authority receives a designated number of publications under the service level agreement. The national INSET programme provides each authority with a list of providers who will deliver INSET on all aspects of Welsh first and second language and subjects through the medium of Welsh.
The WJEC also provides a national co-ordinator programme which develops INSET resources for different aspects of the Welsh curriculum. The Council is represented on each committee and the resources developed are provided to schools free of charge (see Target 10.1).
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Welsh Books Council Welsh-medium primary schools enter the Welsh Books Council’s national book quiz. Preliminaries are held locally and the successful school represents the Vale in the National competition held in Aberystwyth.
All schools receive a free termly information pack highlighting new publications for Welsh and Welsh-medium along with Welsh Second Language resources, Welsh writing in English and Cwricwlwm Cymreig. This information is used on central courses and Athrawon Bro use packs provided for them in their work in schools.
Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin The Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin officer is a member of the Children’s & Young People’s Partnership and also attends the headteacher cluster meetings to discuss development within the Council (see Target 1.iv).
Parents for Welsh-medium Education (RhAG) The Vale of Glamorgan officer for RhAG is invited to the Welsh Headteachers cluster meetings to discuss developments within Welsh-medium schools. The officer contacts the Welsh adviser either by e-mail or telephone to discuss different aspects of provision.
SNAP/SEN The Council maintains a Service Level Agreement with Special Needs Advisory Project (SNAP) Cymru, with parents being able to request a service through the medium of Welsh. The Council has a reciprocal arrangement with Cardiff Council to provide a Disagreement Resolution Service which also gives the choice of the service being provided in Welsh (see 16.1).
CYDAG This association is a national association which provides Welsh-medium INSET courses. Schools pay a joining fee, which enables them to partake of available courses. This association provides a further option for professional development for schools.
49 Section 27: Monitoring (see Targets Section 13)
The Implementation of the Scheme at Authority level will be monitored by Lynette Jones, Head of School Improvement Service. The Welsh Education Scheme will form part of a comprehensive series of policies and plans that will form part of the basis of the work of the LA and its schools.
Monitoring the Scheme’s implementation and quality at school level will form part of the general arrangements for monitoring services, including:
• Planning Welsh-medium education for the future • Monitoring the teaching and implementation of the Curriculum • Organising and providing Welsh-medium support services for schools • Monitoring the implementation of the Scheme’s timetable • Consulting with schools, the public and with other parties with an interest in Welsh education • Monitoring the frequency and nature of complaints in regard to the Scheme.
Monitoring the Scheme will be a structured and ongoing activity using the methods based on evidence already in use to monitor the Authority’s other activities. Suggestions for improvements will be welcome.
The Director of Learning and Development will be responsible for monitoring complaints in regard to the Authority’s Welsh Education Scheme, and these will be responded to in accordance with the Authority’s Complaints Procedure.
The LA will provide the Welsh Language Board with an annual report in a form approved by the Board. The report will describe progress in terms of implementing the Scheme’s measures against the approved timetable, and will analyse the nature and extent of any complaints, suggestions and amendments put forward by the public.
The Head of School Improvement Service will make arrangements to ensure that specific annual reports are drawn up on performance, and will prepare a report on the Directorate’s performance in relation to fulfilling its commitments. This report will be submitted to the County Council and will also be available to the public.
The LA will welcome and note any suggestions made by the public on improvements to its services. Any member of the public who wishes to propose improvements should contact the following or write to:
Lynette Jones, Head of School Improvement Service Provincial House, Kendrick Road, Barry, CF62 8BF. Email: [email protected]. Tel: (01446) 709734. Fax:(01446) 709376.
50 Section 28. Targets and Implementation of Timetable by Sector.
The 2009-2014 Welsh Education Scheme reflects the strategic approach adopted by the Authority, and the targets included in the Welsh Education Scheme corroborate the targets and policies outlined in the Children and Young People’s Plan.
The Scheme’s implementation will be regularly measured against the target dates. A five-year period of implementation has been set, between 2009 and 2014.
The LA will consider the financial implications of any measure where additional funds are needed, and will forward plan financially and strategically to meet the Scheme’s targets. The timetable will be reviewed and assessed annually, in discussion with the Welsh Language Board following the submission of an annual report on the implementation of the Scheme to the Board.
If any additions or amendments are proposed to the timetable or targets, they will be discussed with the Welsh Language Board prior to their implementation.
51 TABLES FOR THE SCHEME’S TARGETS Target Timetable, with planning and implementation measures Date for reaching target 1. EARLY YEARS i. Welsh-medium education 1. Continue to provide a high quality part time • Birth and related data analysed annually to inform Annually placement within Welsh-medium education school planning process in the term following a child’s 3rd birthday for every parent or guardian who wish for it. • Annual review of Welsh-medium provision in line with Annually the authority’s strategy for the planning of school places
• Survey of parents of pre-school age children in order to September 2009 assess and address the demand for Welsh-medium education
• Develop recommendations and strategy drawn from Ongoing data analysis to manage early years provision in the Vale of Glamorgan area
• Findings of survey audit to be reported to cabinet Autumn term 2009 members for consideration
2. Train staff in English-medium settings to Provide training to develop bilingualism within English Annual INSET programme develop bilingual skills. medium settings ii. Providing language equality of opportunity throughout the County 1. Improve access to Welsh-medium education Audit of need, as above, evaluated in order to identify Autumn term 2009 within childrens’ local communities development within local communities and to ensure parity of provision for Welsh and English medium settings iii. Arrangements with the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership 1. Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin officer to continue Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin Officer to continue as an integral Annual reports 2009-14 as a member of the Early Years Partnership member of the Early Years Partnership. Outcomes shared with key shareholders
52 2. Ensure pupils from Cylch Ti a Fi, Llanilltud Welsh Adviser to continue to liaise with MYM officer & September 2009-2014 Fawr are able to access a Cylch Meithrin in Llanilltud Fawr Integrated Centre manager the local area
3. Ensure children from Cylch Ti a Fi Dinas Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin officer to work with the authority Spring 2010 Powys are able to access full time Cylch to investigate the possibility of extending the Cylch Meithrin Meithrin at Dinas Powys at Dinas Powys
4. To ensure sufficient places for Welsh- Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin officer to work with the authority Spring 2010 medium early years provision in the Penarth to expand the current provision in Penarth area.
5. To ensure that children in Rhoose are able Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin officer to work with the authority Autumn 2010 to access Welsh-medium early years to expand the current provision in Rhoose provision in Rhoose. iv. Working with MYM A programme of meetings to be established MYM to attend the Early Years sub-group of the Early 2009 onwards between Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin officer, Early Years & Childcare Partnership which meets bi-monthly. Years Partnership, RhAG, primary schools and RhAG to meet annually with the Welsh headteachers’ Welsh Adviser cluster (primary & secondary). The Welsh Adviser also to attend the latter. This will allow information to be shared between those sections represented.
2. BRIDGING BETWEEN EARLY YEARS AND WELSH-MEDIUM PRIMARY SCHOOLS
1. A retention rate of at least 98% for pupils • The mean percentage of children transferring during the Ongoing 2009-14 transferring between school nursery last 3 years is around 98 – 99% (Dosbarth Meithrin) and reception (Dosbarth Derbyn) is proposed for 2008-13 • Annual monitoring of transfer rates between Dosbarth Annually Meithrin and Dosbarth Derbyn
• MYM officer to co-ordinate timetable of visits of 2009-14 timetable prospective parents, Ti a Fi and Cylchoedd Meithrin leaders to feeder schools
53 • Primary Headteachers & Early Years staff have planned 2009-14 timetable timetable of visits to Cylchoedd Meithrin and Ti a Fi groups
• Support transition arrangements from early years 2009-14 settings at Welsh-medium primary schools
• Training needs of Ti a Fi and Cylchoedd Meithrin 2009-14 leaders identified and training provided to improve linguistic skills and address Foundation Phase curriculum. This will contribute to consistency of provision within these settings
2. Following a set pattern of data analysis by • Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin and authority to set separate Annually from Autumn 2009-14 MYM, separate targets will be set for targets for transition between different settings transition between MYM/ Reception and Nursery Units/ Reception
3. PRIMARY EDUCATION i.Welsh-medium Education 1. Respond to the findings of the “Survey of • Build seed schools in Barry and Llantwit By September 2011 School Preference 2009” completed Autumn Major. 2009. Prepare Strategic Plan for Welsh- medium provision. • In the longer term, depending on available September 2011 onwards funding, a new 420 place school is to be built in Barry to accommodated increased pupil numbers and relocate Ysgol Sant Baruc. The new school will include a nursery and adult education facilities.
• A new 210 place school is to be provided in September 2011 onwards Llantwit Major including a new nursery.
54 • The existing Ysgol Iolo Morganwg is to be September 2011 onwards replaced with a new 210 place school in Cowbridge.
• Ysgol Pen y Garth is to be remodelled to September 2011 onwards increase pupil capacity on the existing site from 350 to 420 places.
• Regularly review and analyse pupil Annually Summer term 2009 projections and admissions data to update onwards Strategic Plan for Welsh-medium Education
2. Improve and maintain Key Stage 2 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013…..2014 Annually 2009–14 performance (pupils achieving Level 4+ as 91% 91% 92% 93% 94%...... 95% measured by Teacher Assessment) in Welsh in line with LA targets.
3. Targeted provision, support and training Annual needs analysis within Welsh-medium primary Annually 2009 onwards provided for teachers and schools education to determine specific school / teacher requirements. An appropriate range of support and training strategies to be undertaken in response to audit(s)
Training course support to be provided in school and centre Annually 2009 onwards based. The latter will be incorporated into the SIS training diary. Additional and ongoing training and support provided by the Athrawon Bro Service as previously described
4. Ensure a language continuum All Vale Welsh-medium primary schools have both KS1 & 2 Annually in summer term from between the primary key stages provision. The mean percentage of children transferring 2009 A minimum of 99% of pupils attending KS1 during the last 3 years is >99% (see 10.3). Y Strategaeth Welsh-medium settings transfer to KS2 Llythrennedd’ (Welsh Literacy Strategy) and other LA Welsh-medium settings support strategies have and will continue to contribute to this high retention level ii. Teaching Welsh as a second language As for 3i(3) but refer to 20.3 and 20.4 Annually 2009 onwards Targeted provision, support and training provided for teachers and schools
55 iii. Cwricwlwm Cymreig (all primary schools) Ongoing around roll-out of teaching and learning strategies Annually 2009 onwards Teachers and LSAs become increasingly skilled as indicated within Directorate Service Plans and Training and effective in delivering Cwricwlwm Cymreig and Directory. promoting bilingualism in schools
4. BRIDGING BETWEEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY i. Primary and secondary Welsh-medium schools • The range of transition strategies described in Annually from 2009 to 2014 develop and implement joint transition plans in Section 14.2 are developed and implemented within line with WAG requirements the Welsh-medium Cluster
• Statutory transition plans are evolved within a planned series of developmental meetings and become operational at September 2009. Optional areas within the plans address common approaches to assessment at KS2 & 3
• Primary & secondary teachers attend common INSET days for assessment and moderation
• Specific assessments implemented for Transition as described in 13.3 ii. Linguistic continuity and progression within • Primary Scheme of work shared with and built on by Summer 2010 Welsh in English medium schools is addressed secondary Heads of Department. Summer 2012 within cluster transition plans Summer 2014 • Primary co-ordinators and secondary Welsh department staff working together to develop common assessment strategies
56 iii. A minimum of 97% of pupils transfer between The mean percentage of children transferring during the Annually from September 2010 Key Stages 2 and 3 within Welsh-medium last 3 years is >96% (see 10.3). Statutory Transition Plans to 2014 schools for implementation from September 2008 should contribute to effective transfer and retention of pupils. Annual monitoring (in Sept). of transfer rates between KS2 and 3 by Principal Strategic Planning Officer
5. SECONDARY EDUCATION
i.Welsh-medium 1. Maintain secondary school provision to meet • Regular review and analysis of pupil projections Annually from 2009 the needs of those pupils wishing to pursue • Annual review of Welsh-medium provision in line with Welsh-medium education the authority’s strategy for the planning of school places • Analysis of pupil data trends and school admission data from secondary schools feeder primary schools • Conclusions inform school planning process • Develop recommendations and strategy drawn from data analysis to manage provision in the Vale of Glamorgan area
2. Improve KS3 performance (pupils achieving 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Annually from Summer 2010 to Level 5+ as measured by TA) in Welsh in 80% 81% 82% 83%. 84% 85% 2014 line with LA targets
3. A high proportion of pupils continue their The proportion of pupils continuing in post-16 studies at YG Annually from 2010 studies through Welsh-medium post-16 Bro Morgannwg has been 52% (2007), 56% (2008) and 67% (2009). These figures will vary in relation to the ability levels and educational needs & desires of specific cohorts. The above figures are insufficient to indicate a clear trend at this time but there is a definite increase, therefore a target of 70% is suggested at this time.
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YG Bro Morgannwg continues to offer / develop an Annually 2009-2014 appropriate curriculum at KS5 to provide a range of learning pathways including vocational opportunities at KS5
Details of current provision and take-up of post-16 courses is given in Section 15. This provides a baseline for future comparisons to be made ii. English Medium and Welsh as a Second Language 1. A year on year increase of 1% in KS3 Performance was 1% above the all-Wales Welsh average Annually 2009-14 performance (for pupils achieving level 5+ as in 2007 and 9% above for 2008. measured by TA) • The LA data unit to analyse KS3 performance levels annually. • Link and Curriculum Advisers to employ this information with schools in discussion of school performance & curriculum provision at KS3. • The Welsh adviser to meet with Welsh subject leaders annually in order to discuss KS3 performance outcomes, assessment & moderation procedures and the identification of good practice.
2. Continue to provide every pupil with the • The LA data unit to analyse entry and Annually 2009-2014 opportunity to sit an external examination in performance levels annually Welsh as a second language by the end of KS4. • Link Advisers to employ this information with A year on year increase of 1% in entries for full schools in discussion of curriculum provision and course Welsh from the 2007 figure of 26% take-up of Welsh at KS4 • Anomalies to be reported on and discussed with both headteachers and LA Head of Service • The Welsh adviser to meet with Welsh subject leaders annually in order to discuss KS4 performance outcomes, assessment & moderation procedures and the identification of good practice as well as entry levels for full and short-course Welsh courses
58 iii. The Cwricwlwm Cymreig in secondary schools. Teachers become increasingly skilled and Ongoing around roll-out of teaching and learning strategies Annually from 2009 effective in delivering aspects of Cwricwlwm as indicated within Directorate Service Plans and Training Cymreig within schools Directory.
6. POST-16 EDUCATION
1. Ensure a range of appropriate Welsh-medium The current provision at post-16 is indicated in 15.1. Annually 2009-2014 courses are available and that these constitute a The School Improvement Service will support YGG Bro broad and balanced curriculum for students Morgannwg /Barry College in developing an appropriate curriculum at post 16 in order to provide a range of learning pathways including vocational opportunities post 16 (see Target 5 (i) 3) in consultation with Barry College.
7. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS i. Welsh-medium education:
Appropriate training programmes delivered to all Termly training events available to all SENCOs. Course Annually 2009-2014 SENCOs information provided via workshop events to support specific interventions across schools. Strategies also delivered to support early identification of pupils with SEN. SEN registers monitored more effectively (see 16.7).
ii. Welsh as a second language: Appropriate training programmes delivered to all As above Annually 2009-2014 SENCOs
iii. Appropriate educational placements and support • Specialist teacher for hearing impairment trained to 2009 onwards provided for pupils with moderate, low incidence, increase number from 1 to 2 severe and sensory impairment needs • Specialist schools involved in support for mainstream colleagues and pupils to support the inclusion agenda, ie. Unlocking Potential Project.
59 iv. Welsh-medium provision in place for specialist • To maintain current provision with psychology, 2009 ongoing services such as therapies and educational behaviour support, visual impairment specialist, and psychology teaching and education welfare services. • To positively promote the recruitment of Welsh speaking staff v. Materials: • B Squared pupil tracking materials translated 2009 ongoing 1. Appropriate resources & materials provided to • Key Stage 1 programme of study for Welsh to be schools developed within the B Squared framework • Dyfal Donc reading support available to all schools as an intervention • Provision mapping for the LA, completed as an ongoing audit of interventions and strategies, to be implemented by schools across the areas of learning vii. Advisory Services: 1. Provision of coordinated support for pupils Liaison between Additional Learning Needs and School 2009 ongoing Improvement Service to support development work with Welsh-medium schools
2. Identify all children for whom a statutory Currently the LA is able to provide assessments in Welsh in 2009 ongoing assessment is necessary, whose first language the following areas: Educational Psychology, specialist and language of the home is Welsh, and in each Teaching, Primary Behaviour Support, vision, hearing (in case offer in advance to issue all LA documents conjunction with Cardiff service), Educational Welfare, in Welsh Speech and Language (in conjunction with the NHS Trust)
3. To offer the whole process of statutory 2009 ongoing assessment and drawing up a statement in Welsh, English or bilingually at the start of the assessment process.
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8. THE ATHRAWON BRO /ADVISORY • Annual review of school performance / contextual Annual reviews 2009-14 SERVICES information in order to effectively target support 1. The service will contribute to: • improving the skill levels of teachers • Continue to target Athrawon Bro support to Annually • improving standards in Welsh and Welsh schools in inverse proportion to success in order second language. to impact upon skills & standards • promoting continuity and progression • Annual school support plans prepared with Annually September 2009-14 targeted schools (Outcomes to correspond with those given in previous sections) • Annual review of support outcomes Annually in summer term 2010- 2014
• Welsh Language Board funding used to support Annual funding application 2009- Athrawon Bro Service. 14
9. SERVICES FOR LATECOMERS TO THE WELSH LANGUAGE
1. The needs of late-comers to English-medium The demand for provision for latecomers to Welsh-medium 2009 ongoing primary provision are addressed by the designated education is very low. When circumstances arise the Athrawes Fro school, in conjunction with the authority will provide additional support for pupils for a period of time prior to full integration. The Welsh Adviser to offer supplementary activities and additional guidance to mainstream class teachers dealing with latecomers.
10. WORKING WITH OTHER BODIES AND/OR COUNTIES
1. Representatives from all secondary schools to Welsh Adviser to:- 2010 ongoing attend the WJEC INSET programme Facilitate training opportunities for the WJEC INSET programme
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2. To be proactive in working in partnership with Work in partnership with the Urdd to organise promotional 2009 ongoing agencies such as RhAG, Mudiad Ysgolion Welsh activities for primary and secondary pupils in the Meithrin, Menter Iaith, WJEC, Urdd Gobaith Vale. Cymru, The Youth Service, Basic Skills Agency and SNAP to promote Welsh within the Provide support to extend the provision of extra-curricular community and improve provision and activities, Urdd or Welsh after school Clubs opportunity for all pupils and young people
Attend Menter y Fro Open and Forum meetings.
To support the provision of Basic Skills Cymru’s Language and Play Programme, nursery & play and family learning in both English and Welsh medium settings and schools. 11. TRAINING AND SERVICES FOR SCHOOL GOVERNORS
1. Provide clerking and translation facilities for • All Welsh medium schools employ their own clerk to Ongoing governing body meetings within the Welsh- governors and co-ordinate translation facilities for medium Sector as requested governing body meetings as appropriate.
2. Provide translation facilities and translated • All governor materials and publications are produced Ongoing copies of relevant documents to governors as bilingually and distributed direct to governors. On requested appointment all new governors are afforded the opportunity to express their preference to receive training and materials in Welsh.
12. COMMUNITY EDUCATION, INCLUDING WELSH FOR ADULTS AND BASIC SKILLS i. Community Education 1. Ensure that the culture of Wales is appropriately • Examples of good practice included in tutors’ September 2009 onwards reflected in learning materials produced by the handbook Community Learning Service
2. Provide youth work training through medium of • Work in partnership with the Urdd to identify 2009-2014
62 Welsh for four young people each year appropriate placement ii. Welsh for Adults 1. Number of enrolments increased by 1% each • From Sept. 2009, target provision in under- July 2010 and annually year represented areas and promote appropriately.
2. Improve students’ completion rates from 92 by • Review individual learning plans to ensure that the July 2010 and annually 1% each year course meets the student’s expectations.
3. Work in partnership with the Welsh for Adults Teachers Centre at Cardiff University to ensure provision is of high quality iii. Basic Skills 1. Investigate the demand for and ability of the • Determine demand and plan additional future December 2009 network to provide additional ACL provision provision and potential progression routes in through the medium of Welsh and begin the partnership with other providers extension of this provision as required
2. To undertake a mapping exercise to gauge the level of demand in Welsh for adults
3. Research the level of need for basic skills provision through the medium of Welsh
13. MONITORING THE SCHEME
To ensure that all staff in all relevant settings, Ensure circulation of copies of the Welsh Education Following approval of the schools and departments within the Authority are Scheme to all relevant stakeholders. Scheme aware of the Welsh Education Scheme and its contents To ensure that scheme is promoted through the Vale of Glamorgan publications and staff net.
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To monitor the implementation of The Welsh The Implementation of the Scheme at Authority level will be September 2010 and annually Education Scheme to evaluate progress and monitored by the Head of School Improvement and Director thereafter analyse any issues raised. of Learning and Development Directorate, Provincial House Barry The Welsh Education Scheme will form part of a comprehensive series of policies and plans that will form the basis of the work of the Authority and its schools.
Monitoring the Scheme’s implementation and quality at school level will form part of the general arrangements for monitoring services, including: • Planning bilingual and Welsh medium education for the future • Monitoring the teaching and implementation of the Curriculum • Organising and providing bilingual and Welsh medium support services for schools • Monitoring the implementation of the Scheme’s timetable • Consulting with schools, the public and with other parties with an interest in Welsh education
Monitoring the Scheme will be a structured and ongoing Spring 2010 activity using the methods based on evidence already in use to monitor the Authority’s other activities. The Head of School Improvement and Director for Learning nad Development will be responsible for monitoring complaints in regard to the Authority’s Welsh Education Scheme, and these will be responded to in accordance with the Authority’s Complaints Procedure.
The Authority will provide the Welsh Language Board with Spring 2010 an annual report in a form approved by the Board. The report will describe progress in terms of implementing the Scheme’s measures against the approved timetable, and will analyse the nature and extent of any complaints, suggestions and amendments put forward by the public.
64 (see Section 27) Welsh Education Strategy Team to effectively Welsh Education Strategy Team to evaluate the impact and Autumn 2010 and annually to oversee, support and evaluate the impact of the effectiveness of the scheme. 2014 Welsh Education Scheme. The Team will develop a monitoring and evaluation 100% of Welsh Education Scheme success schedule, which clearly identifies the person responsible for criteria achieved. evaluating each target together with time-scales for the (End of academic year review in July 2010. completion of the evaluation. Evaluation of sections as outlined) An evaluation report format will be established. The way forward will be outlined to note any necessary changes to the timetable, planning and implementation measures, specific targets or success criteria. This information will inform the annual progress report submitted to the Wellsh Language Board.
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Appendices
Appendix 1 – Welsh Speakers by Individual Electoral Wards
Appendix 2 – List of INSET Courses to support the development of Welsh in Schools
List of annual INSET courses to support the development of Welsh in schools. • Developing Curriculum Cymreig in Primary School. • Welsh Primary - Developing Phonics in the Primary School. • Primary Welsh Second Language: KS2 Intermediate. • Primary Welsh Second Language: KS1. • Primary Welsh Second Language: KS2 Beginners. • Primary Welsh Second Language: Co-ordinators Course. • Primary Welsh Second Language: KS2 Level 3 Advanced. • Primary Welsh Second Language: Bilingualism in the Early Years.
• Learning support practitioners Level 1/2/3 – Incidental Welsh • Newly Qualified teachers – Bilingualism and Cwricwlwm Cymreig • Assessment moderation in Key stage1 and KS2 • Assessment in Second Language • Welsh Primary - Developing Phonics in the Primary School • Spelling • Language across the curriculum • ICT • PE • Poetry - Ysgol ganolog I ddwy Ysgol (Bardd Plant Cymru, Mererid Hopwood) • Key Skills in the Secondary School • Music in the Secondary School • Welsh GCSE in the Secondary School
Appendix 3 - Trends in Full Time Pupil Numbers 1998 – 2008
WELSH-MEDIUM PRIMARY SCHOOL
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Ysgol Gwaun y Nant 71 85 76 83 87 93 103 104 107 131 144 Ysgol Iolo Morganwg 164 170 155 144 140 127 126 128 130 137 152 Ysgol Pen Y Garth 300 297 310 304 309 303 295 270 255 250 254 Ysgol Sant Baruc 198 191 195 193 194 195 192 201 200 203 209 Ysgol Sant Curig 377 360 340 345 350 334 344 335 337 347 343
Ysgol Bro Morgannwg 0 0 123 247 370 536 674 787 855 862 846
Appendix 4 – Pupil Projections
PROJECTIONS OF WELSH MEDIUM PUPIL NUMBERS 2010-2014
Primary Schools
LA No 673
School Name Welsh School Type MOE Number on Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Indicator F=Foundation (School Roll: (NOR) NOR at NOR at NOR at NOR at NOR at VA=Voluntary Aided Capacity) January January January January January January VC-Voluntary Controlled 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 C=Community Ysgol Gwaun Y Nant (a) C 209 148 161 162 166 175 189 Ysgol Gymraeg Pen Y Garth (a) C 352 254 265 267 290 310 328 Ysgol Iolo Morganwg (a) C 159 153 159 167 171 174 178 Ysgol Sant Baruc (a) C 197 209 210 211 213 216 226 Ysgol Sant Curig (a) C 426 347 359 369 374 390 403
TOTALS 1343 1111 1154 1176 1214 1265 1324
Secondary Schools
LA No 673
School Name Welsh School Type MOE Number on Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Indicator F=Foundation (School Roll: (NOR) NOR at NOR at NOR at NOR at NOR at VA=Voluntary Aided Capacity) January January January January January January VC-Voluntary Controlled 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 C=Community Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg (a) C 1151 839 847 850 852 851 838
TOTALS 1151 839 847 850 852 851 838
Appendix 5 - Sample Survey Form for Assessment Demand for Welsh-medium Provision
Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of Preference for Welsh Medium Education
Dear Resident,
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is seeking the views of parents in order to assess the future demand for Welsh medium education. You have been sent this questionnaire because our records show that you have a child born between 1st September 2006 and 31st August 2008 and you fit the profile of our target audience. Therefore we would like you to complete this brief survey. It will only take a few minutes and will help us in delivering education that meets the needs and wishes of parents of young children in the Vale of Glamorgan. If, however, you do not have a child born within these dates, please accept our apologies and ignore this questionnaire. Opinion Research Services (ORS) - an independent company - is undertaking this survey on our behalf. Your information will be kept in strictest confidence and will not be given to anyone else. Only the overall results of survey findings will be published and used by the Council to inform future education policy. When you have completed the questionnaire, please return it to ORS in the FREEPOST envelope provided, to arrive no later than 17th July 2009. Please note that to ensure the views of all parents are taken in to account in planning for the future of Welsh language education, it is important that you respond. If you have any questions about the Vale of Glamorgan’s Welsh education scheme, please call Lynette Jones on 01446 709734. If you have any queries about the survey please contact Jonathan Young at ORS on 01792 535315. Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey. Yours sincerely,
Paula Ham Head of Strategic Planning & Performance Directorate of Learning and Development Vale of Glamorgan Council For each question, put a cross in the appropriate box like this Mark only one box for each question unless otherwise instructed. If you mark the wrong box, fill in the box and cross the correct one.
A1 How many children under 3 years of age currently live with you at this address?
Number of children under 3 years of age
(b) For each of these children, please write their age in years and months in the boxes below.
Child 1 Child 2 Child 3 Child 4
Years Months Years Months Years Months Years Months
A2 Does this child, or do any of these children, attend any daycare nursery or playgroup? Please cross all that apply Yes - English medium daycare nursery / playgroup Yes - Welsh medium daycare nursery / playgroup Yes - both English and Welsh language daycare nursery / playgroup Do not attend nursery / playgroup
A3 Are there any other children (over the age of 3) who currently live with you at this address who already attend a primary school in the Vale of Glamorgan?
Please answer (b) and following Yes No Please go to A4 and following
(b) What is the language of the school(s) they attend? Please cross all that apply
English medium Welsh medium English and Welsh medium
A4 Using the numbers 1 to 7, please rank the following from most important to least important in terms of their influence on your choice of primary school? Please rank them from 1 to 7 where 1 is the most important and 7 is the least important. Make sure you use every number from 1 to 7 once, and do not use any number more than once.
Another child already at the school Main language used in the school
Distance from your home Class sizes
Quality of education Quality of school buildings
Ease of access / transport to school
Page 2 A5 Would you like your child(ren) to be able to speak Welsh? Please cross one box only
Yes No Not sure
(b) Do you feel that your child(ren) would benefit from a Welsh medium education? Please cross one box only Yes No Not sure
There are currently five Welsh medium primary schools serving the Vale of Glamorgan. These are Ysgol Pen y Garth situated in Penarth (serves Penarth, Dinas Powys and Sully), Ysgol Gwaun y Nant situated in Barry ( serves East Barry and Wenvoe), Ysgol St Curig situated in Barry (serves Central Barry and Rhoose), Ysgol Sant Baruc situated in Barry (serves Central/West Barry) and Ysgol Iolo Morganwg situated in Cowbridge (serves Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and the rural vale).
A6 How likely or unlikely is it that you would choose to send your child(ren) to one of the existing Welsh medium schools? Please cross one box only
Neither likely nor Not sure or don’t Very likely Fairly likely Fairly unlikely Very unlikely unlikely know
A7 If there was a Welsh medium primary school within 2 miles of your home, how likely or unlikely is it that you would choose to send your child(ren) to this school? Please cross one box only
Neither likely nor Not sure or don’t Very likely Fairly likely Fairly unlikely Very unlikely unlikely know
A8 If there was a free bus service available, what is the longest journey time that you would consider acceptable each way - either to or from school? Please cross one box only
60 minutes 0 - 9 minutes 10 - 19 minutes 20 - 29 minutes 30 - 44 minutes 45 - 59 minutes or more
B Your Details
B1 Can you understand, speak, read or write welsh? Please cross all that apply
Understand spoken Welsh Write Welsh Speak Welsh Currently learning Welsh Read Welsh None of these
Page 3 B2 What is/are the (i) main language(s) of your household, and (ii) what other languages are spoken in your household if any? Please cross one box in each column (i) Main language(s) (ii) Other language(s)
English Welsh Other - please write in
No other languages spoken
B3 What do you consider your national identity to be? Please cross all that apply
Welsh Irish English British Scottish Other (please specify)
B4 For each person in the household, including yourself please write their age and gender in the boxes below. Please write their gender using the letter ‘M ‘or ‘F’, and their age in years
Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 For example, a
seven year old daughter would be
F 7 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8
B5 To which of these groups do you consider you belong? Please cross one box only
White - British, Irish or any other White background Mixed - White & Black Caribbean, White & Black African, White & Asian or any
other Mixed background Asian or Asian British - Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or any other Asian
background
Chinese or other ethnic group
B6 What is your full postcode? Please note that this information will only be used for geographical analysis, and will not be released to anyone.
Thank you. Please return to Opinion Research Services in the FREEPOST envelope provided. APPENDIX 6 – SUMMARY OF FINDINGS RE: SURVEY OF SCHOOL PREFERENCE 2009
Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009
Summary of Findings
Approved: 27 October 2009
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009: Summary of Findings
Study Overview
1. Opinion Research Services (ORS) was commissioned by Vale of Glamorgan Council to assess the future demand for Welsh language education from the parents and guardians of pre-school children across the County.
2. The study focussed on two cohorts of children - those born between September 2006 and August 2007, and those born between September 2007 and August 2008 - who will be entering full-time education in September 2011 (referred to as cohort 1 within this report) and September 2012 (cohort 2).
3. To inform the research, a self-completion questionnaire was distributed by post to the parents (or guardians) of all pupils across the two cohorts. The survey focused upon the factors influencing their decisions when selecting a primary school for their children, in particular issues surrounding the potential demand for Welsh language education. An introductory letter from the Vale of Glamorgan Council was enclosed with the questionnaire which explained the purpose of the study.
The Survey
4. The survey was undertaken in July and August 2009, with questionnaires distributed to the parents of all children across the two cohorts. Contact details were supplied for 2,864 children based on the address which was recorded at birth. The contact data included a total of 2,735 different addresses, and questionnaires were sent to each address.
5. A detailed breakdown of the sample and responses to the survey are provided in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Summary of Survey Responses
By Cohort Organisation Type TOTAL Cohort 1 Cohort 2 TOTAL POPULATION Number of Children 1,400 1,464 2,864 Number of Parents 1,331 1,404 2,735 SURVEY RESPONSES (based on number of parents) First survey phase (initial questionnaire) 312 306 617 Second survey phase (reminder questionnaire) 97 80 176 Total Completed Questionnaires 408 385 793 ACHIEVED SAMPLE (based on number of children) First survey phase (initial questionnaire) 332 321 653 Second survey phase (reminder questionnaire) 102 84 186 Total Completed Questionnaires 434 405 839 Overall Response Rate 31.0% 27.7% 29.3%
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
6. Completed questionnaires were returned by 793 parents, who collectively had 839 children born between September 2006 and August 2008. Information provided by 7 parents indicated that they no longer lived at the address supplied in the contact sample - i.e. they had moved since their child was born, but the questionnaire had been forwarded to their new address. A further 13 questionnaires were returned as undeliverable by the Royal Mail.
7. The overall survey response rate was 29.3%. The response rate from the older cohort was 31.0% compared to a response rate of 27.7% from the younger cohort. Parents that had more than one child in the study cohorts have had their responses statistically weighted to ensure that the study results are accurate and count all children.
Overview of Existing Welsh-Medium Primary School Provision
8. There are currently five Welsh-medium primary schools in the county. The location of the schools and their associated catchment areas are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Locations and Catchment Areas of Existing Welsh-Medium Primary Schools
9. Figure 3 summarises the total number of children in each catchment area for the two study cohorts and the achieved sample for the survey. Response rates varied from 21.1% up to 34.4% for the five areas.
Figure 3 Summary by Existing Welsh-Medium Primary School Catchment Areas (Note: Catchment area was unknown where the contact address did not include a valid postcode and/or where respondents removed the questionnaire tracking barcode)
Number of Children Total Achieved Survey Primary School Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Children Sample Response Rate Ysgol Gwaun y Nant 205 222 427 90 21.1% Ysgol Gymraeg Pen y Garth 406 391 797 268 33.6% Ysgol Iolo Morganwg 247 241 488 168 34.4% Ysgol Sant Baruc 141 152 293 94 32.1% Ysgol Sant Curig 394 448 842 213 25.3% Catchment area not known 7 10 17 6 - TOTAL 1,400 1,464 2,864 839 29.3%
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
10. When we consider the response rates together with the measure of relative deprivation by area, it is apparent that there is a clear correlation. Figure 4 shows the response rates for the 10% least deprived areas through to the 10% most deprived areas of the county. It is apparent that response rates exceeded 40% in the least deprived areas whereas the most deprived areas had response rates below 20%.
Figure 4 Response Rates by Area based on Relative Deprivation
11. Therefore it seems likely that the differential response rates for the five catchment areas are fundamentally influenced by the characteristics of the areas and their populations.
Expressed Demand for Welsh Language Education
12. Firstly, parents were asked if they would like their children to be able to speak Welsh and whether or not they believed their children would benefit from a Welsh language education. Over two thirds (68%) stated that they would like their children to be able to speak Welsh, whilst almost half (44%) believed that their child would benefit from a Welsh medium education.
13. Parents were then provided with the following information about existing Welsh-medium primary school provision in the county:
There are currently five Welsh medium primary schools serving the Vale of Glamorgan. These are Ysgol Pen y Garth situated in Penarth (serves Penarth, Dinas Powys and Sully), Ysgol Gwaun y Nant situated in Barry (serves East Barry and Wenvoe), Ysgol St Curig situated in Barry (serves Central Barry and Rhoose), Ysgol Sant Baruc situated in Barry (serves Central/West Barry) and Ysgol Iolo Morganwg situated in Cowbridge (serves Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and the rural vale).
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
14. They were then asked the two following questions:
How likely or unlikely is it that you would choose to send your child(ren) to one of the existing Welsh medium schools?
If there was a Welsh medium primary school within 2 miles of your home, how likely or unlikely is it that you would choose to send your child(ren) to this school?
15. The responses are summarised in Figure 5 and Figure 6:
Figure 5 Figure 6 Likelihood of selecting Welsh-medium education based on Likelihood of selecting Welsh-medium education based on current primary school provision primary school provision being within 2 miles
16. Based on current primary school provision:
31% of all parents replied that they are likely to choose Welsh-medium education for their children. Of these the majority (26%) are very likely to choose Welsh-medium education. A further 8% of parents are currently undecided. The remaining 61% of parents are unlikely to choose a Welsh-medium primary school.
17. The responses were different if a Welsh language primary school was available within 2 miles:
The proportion of parents likely to choose Welsh-medium education for their children would increase to 38%.
A further 11% were undecided about language choice.
The remaining 50% of parents were unlikely to choose a Welsh-medium primary school.
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
18. It is worth noting that the proportion of parents very likely to send their child to a Welsh medium school remains largely the same (26%). However the proportion of parents fairly likely doubled (from 6% to 12%).
19. The different results between the two scenarios suggests that there is latent demand for Welsh primary schooling in the county, which is only likely to come forward if additional schools are provided.
20. Figure 7 illustrates the likely change in the level of demand for Welsh-medium education from different sub-groups of the population in the two scenarios. Note that the term Likelihood includes parents who were very likely or fairly likely to select Welsh-medium education.
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
Figure 7 Likelihood of selecting Welsh-medium education: Sub-Group Variations
21. The key differences between the sub groups based upon existing provision identified in Figure 7 can be summarised as follows.
The likelihood of choosing Welsh-medium education was exceptionally high when other children from the household were already attending Welsh-medium schools (99%); whereas for
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
those with other children at English language primary schools, the likelihood was particularly low (6%).
Otherwise those most likely to select Welsh-medium education were households where Welsh is the main language of the home (88%). Likelihood was also high amongst respondents from households where Welsh is spoken at home but not as the main language (76%); respondents who could speak, read or write Welsh (69%); and respondents who understand spoken Welsh or who are currently learning Welsh (56%).
Those attending a Welsh language nursery were also more likely to select Welsh-medium education (65%) - but this does indicate that over a third of respondents where their children were currently in Welsh nurseries are unlikely to continue to a Welsh language primary school.
Respondents living within 5 minutes travel time of their nearest Welsh-medium primary school were more likely to select Welsh-medium education (39%); whereas those with travel time of 10 minutes or more were less likely (24%).
Younger parents that responded to the survey tended to be more likely to select Welsh- medium education than older parents. The range was 38% of those aged under 25 down to 25% of those aged 40 or over. Nevertheless, this result should be treated with care - for it may be that younger parents who were not interested in Welsh-medium education simply did not complete and return their questionnaires.
There were relatively few responses from non-white ethnic groups, and overall they were less likely to select Welsh-medium education (16%) - but this is only marginally lower than the rate for parents who have no Welsh language ability (17%) and for households where Welsh is not spoken in the home (20%).
Respondents from more deprived areas were more likely to select Welsh-medium education than those from less deprived areas - although this conclusion is somewhat misleading, and is explored further below.
22. As previously noted, the survey response rate was much lower in more deprived areas. We know the relative deprivation of all addresses in the sample, so it is possible to further investigate the conclusion that parents from more deprived areas were more likely to select Welsh-medium education. Key to this further analysis is to explore the impact of those parents who did not return their questionnaire on the survey results.
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
Figure 8 Likelihood of Selecting Welsh-medium Education based on current primary school provision by Area based on Relative Deprivation
23. The difference between the conclusions relating to Figure 7 and Figure 8 can be simply explained. Figure 7 focuses on the proportion of parents who responded in each area, Figure 8 focuses on results as a proportion of the total number of parents in each area.
24. Figure 8 clearly shows that the proportion of all parents in the area likely to select Welsh-medium education is actually highest in the least deprived areas (12.2% of all parents compared to 8.3% in the least deprived areas).
25. It is also interesting to explore the conclusion that younger parents that responded to the survey tended to be more likely to select Welsh-medium education than older parents. Once again, it is arguable that younger parents who were not interested in Welsh-medium education simply did not complete and return their questionnaires. Therefore the results could have been skewed in the same way as the initial findings relating to relative deprivation. However in this case we do not know the ages of parents who did not respond to the survey, so we cannot reach a conclusion on this point.
Assessing the Overall Demand for Welsh Language Education
26. When undertaking sample surveys it is important to ensure that the achieved sample is an accurate representation of the whole population. Nevertheless, in a survey such as this one it is possible that interested parties (i.e. parents interested in Welsh-medium education) will be more likely to respond.
27. Therefore it cannot be assumed that the percentage results from the survey can be simply applied to the overall population to establish the overall requirement. Equally it cannot be assumed that all non- respondents have no interest in Welsh-medium education either.
28. To help understand the potential demand from survey non-respondents, it is helpful to consider the differences between the responses from those respondents that returned the original questionnaire and those who did not respond until they had received their reminder. As previously reported, 31% of respondents overall stated that they were likely to select Welsh-medium education for their children on the basis of current primary school provision. When considering the expressed demand for Welsh
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
education in each phase of the survey, it is apparent that 32% of parents who responded to the initial questionnaire considered it likely that their child(ren) would attend Welsh medium education in the context of current provision, but this reduced to 27% on the second mailing. It is assumed that further phases would see progressive reductions in this percentage.
29. Assuming that the reduction in the likelihood of choosing Welsh-medium education is directly in line with the observed results from the two survey phases, the overall percentage of parents selecting Welsh medium education for their schooling would be around 17.7%. This equates to around 510 pupils over the two pupil cohorts.
30. To extend the analysis to include latent demand we consider separately respondents that are likely to select Welsh-medium education on the basis of primary school provision being within 2 miles.
31. The results for the two survey phases were 40% and 37% respectively - which suggests that the percentage of all parents who would select Welsh-medium education if primary school provision was within 2 miles would be around 29.7%. This equates to around 850 pupils over the two pupil cohorts - 340 more than are likely to attend Welsh-medium schools based on current primary school provision.
32. Figure 9 illustrates each of the above figures and the associated calculations.
Figure 9 Estimating Demand for Welsh-Medium Education over the Whole Population
33. Considering the two study cohorts independently, the survey would suggest that 17.4% of the older cohort and 18.0% of the younger cohort are likely to select Welsh-medium education. These percentages equate to just over 240 pupils in year 2011 and just over 260 pupils in year 2012.
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
Setting the Results in Context
34. A Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) is conducted annually by all Local Education Authorities, which collates a range of data about the pupils attending each school in the county. On the basis of the PLASC data for the Vale of Glamorgan submitted in January 2009, it is possible to profile how the demand for Welsh-medium education has changed over recent years (Figure 10).
Figure 10 Proportion of Pupils in Welsh-Medium Education by Age (Source: Vale of Glamorgan Pupil Level Annual School Census, January 2009)
35. Whilst the overall proportion of primary school pupils in Welsh-medium primary schools is 11.7%, there is a clear trend where the proportion has increased year-on-year.
36. PLASC data shows that 290 pupils aged 2 on 31 st August 2008 attended nursery schools (or nursery units at primary schools) in the county during the 2008/09 academic year, which included 16.9% in Welsh-medium nurseries. This group of children form part of the cohort that will start full-time education one year before the eldest cohort for this study - so early indications support our findings that around 17.4% of the study’s eldest cohort are likely to require Welsh-medium education.
37. The proportion of pupils in full-time Welsh-medium education has increased from 8.3% of 11 year olds to 13.5% of 5-year olds, which equates to an average annual increase of 0.9% points; although growth has been more rapid in recent years. Given this trend, the findings that around 18.0% of the younger cohort are likely to require Welsh-medium education also seems reasonable.
Understanding the Distribution of Existing Demand Across the County
38. Figure 11 provides an estimated breakdown of demand by primary school catchment area. The table shows the overall number of children in each catchment area, the expressed demand and an estimate of the total demand for Welsh-medium education. Also included is comparative data from PLASC.
39. The expressed demand for Welsh-medium education is based on the actual number of completed questionnaires returned from the area where respondents stated it was likely that they would select
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
Welsh-medium education on the basis of current primary school provision. This number can be considered an absolute minimum for demand in the area.
40. The estimated total demand considers the expressed demand alongside the survey response rate to relate the estimate of countywide demand to the local catchment areas. Note that this figure is only an indication of likely demand.
Figure 11 Summary of Demand by Existing Welsh-Medium Primary School Catchment Areas
Primary School Catchment Area Primary School Ysgol Gwaun y Ysgol Gymraeg Ysgol Iolo Ysgol Ysgol Nant Pen y Garth Morganwg Sant Baruc Sant Curig TOTAL CHILDREN Cohort 1 205 406 247 141 394 Cohort 2 222 391 241 152 448 EXPRESSED DEMAND FOR
WELSH-MEDIUM EDUCATION Cohort 1 11 40 12 19 39 Cohort 2 16 35 20 23 36 ESTIMATED TOTAL DEMAND FOR
WELSH-MEDIUM EDUCATION Cohort 1 26 75 32 40 70 Cohort 2 29 74 32 45 82 COMPARATIVE DATA FROM PLASC Current pupils aged 6 14 30 20 19 46 Current pupils aged 5 36 45 26 40 47 Current pupils aged 4 22 44 28 37 54
41. The estimated total demand for both cohorts at Ysgol Gwaun y Nant, Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg and Ysgol Sant Baruc are broadly in line with the intake of full-time pupils over the last three years, although in each case, there is a slight increase on the most recent intake.
42. The estimated total demand at Ysgol Gymraeg Pen y Garth is considerably higher than recent intakes, suggesting up to 75 pupils in each cohort compared to an annual intake of around 45 pupils over the last two years. However, actual survey responses from this catchment area included parents of 75 children across the two study cohorts who stated that it was likely that they would select Welsh- medium education on the basis of current primary school provision. Given this expressed demand, it seems probable that the number of pupils will rise again.
43. The estimated total demand at Ysgol Sant Curig is also higher than recent intakes - but here the intake is expected to be smaller in the elder cohort than in the younger cohort. The 2009 intake was 54 pupils whereas the estimated total demand for the elder cohort in this study (who would form the 2011 intake) is 70 pupils, an increase of 16 pupils. This increase is equivalent to an average annual increase of 8 additional pupils - which is broadly consistent with the 7 additional pupils gained between 2008 and 2009. The study's younger cohort is estimated to be 82 pupils, so a further increase of 12 pupils - but this is in the context of the overall number of children in the catchment area increasing from 394 to 448, an additional 54 pupils accounting for a growth of 14% between the two years.
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
Understanding the Distribution of Latent Demand Across the County
44. As previously noted, a number of children are not likely to receive Welsh-medium education on the basis of current primary school provision, but their parents would be likely to select a Welsh primary school if it was within 2 miles of their home. This latent demand may become effective demand if additional Welsh-medium primary schools were opened in the county. In other words, opening additional Welsh primary schools could stimulate demand for Welsh-medium education and increase the number of pupils beyond the levels estimated above.
45. Figure 12 shows the expressed demand for Welsh-medium education and the latent demand. Also included are estimates for the total current demand and total latent demand for Welsh-medium education in each catchment area, and the proportion of the potential demand for Welsh-medium education which is currently unmet.
Figure 12 Summary of Current, Latent and Potential Demand by Existing Welsh-Medium Primary School Catchment Areas (Note: Figures shown are based on annual averages)
Primary School Catchment Area Primary School Ysgol Gwaun y Ysgol Gymraeg Ysgol Iolo Ysgol Ysgol Nant Pen y Garth Morganwg Sant Baruc Sant Curig EXPRESSED DEMAND FOR
WELSH-MEDIUM EDUCATION Current demand 14 38 16 21 38 Latent demand 1 9 11 1 9 Expressed Potential Demand 15 47 27 22 47 ESTIMATED TOTAL DEMAND FOR
WELSH-MEDIUM EDUCATION Current demand 28 75 32 43 76 Latent demand 10 52 49 7 55 Estimated Total Potential Demand 38 127 81 50 131 Current demand as percentage 74% 59% 40% 86% 58% of potential demand
46. Whilst there is current demand from around 250 pupils in each cohort, the analysis suggests that potential demand for Welsh-medium education could be as high as 425 pupils in each cohort if Welsh- medium primary schools were available within 2 miles of children's homes across the Vale.
47. The Ysgol Iolo Morganwg catchment area has the highest level of unmet demand, with only 40% of the potential demand currently being satisfied in the area. The catchment areas for Ysgol Sant Curig and Ysgol Gymraeg Pen y Garth are both satisfying around 60% of their potential demand, whilst most of the demand in the Ysgol Gwaun y Nant and Ysgol Sant Baruc catchment areas is already satisfied.
48. Figure 13 illustrates the distribution of demand for Welsh-medium education identified by the survey. Parents who are likely to select Welsh-medium education on the basis of current primary schools are represented by a red dot (current demand), whilst parents who are unlikely to select Welsh-medium education on the basis of current primary school provision but who would be likely to select a Welsh- medium primary school if it was within 2 miles of their home are represented by a blue dot (latent demand).
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
Figure 13 Distribution of Current and Latent Demand for Welsh-Language Education
49. There is evidence of latent demand across the Ysgol Iolo Morganwg catchment area where 60% of the potential demand is currently unmet. There is a particular concentration of latent demand in the area around Llantwit Major. In the Ysgol Sant Curig catchment area where 42% of the potential demand is currently unmet, there is a clear concentration of latent demand in the area around Rhoose; whilst in the Ysgol Gymraeg Pen y Garth catchment area where 41% of the potential demand is currently unmet, the concentration of latent demand appears to be in Penarth.
50. It is also worth noting that there are a number of blue dots in close proximity to the existing Welsh primary schools. Insofar as the respondents that these dots represent have stated that they would be likely to choose Welsh-medium education if there was a school within 2 miles of their home, yet they are unlikely to choose Welsh-medium education based on current primary school provision, it seems apparent that they are not aware that they already have existing schools nearby. Given this evidence, it may be appropriate to review the information that is provided to parents about their local Welsh- medium school - although information may already be circulated nearer the time that children are expected to start full-time education.
Other Factors Influencing the Choice of Primary School
51. The survey also considered more general factors that influence their choice of primary school. Respondents were asked to rank seven factors in order of importance - from most important to least important.
52. The factors provided for respondents to consider were:
Quality of education Class size Distance from your home Main language used in school
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
Quality of school buildings Another child already at the school Ease of access/transport to school
53. Respondents were most likely to rank quality of education as the most important influence on their choice of primary school, with 68% of parents identifying this as their first priority and over 95% including it amongst their top three priorities.
54. Figure 14 presents the average ranking score associated with each of the seven factors. Given that 1 represented the most important factor and 7 represented the least important factor, the lowest score represents the highest importance in terms of influence.
Figure 14 Rank analysis for the most important factors influencing parents' choice of primary school: All respondents
Rank Factor Average Score Most 1 Quality of education 1.52 Important 2 Class sizes 3.54 3 Distance from your home 3.90 4 Main language used in school 3.95 5 Another child already at the school 4.98
Least 6 Quality of school buildings/facilities 5.01 Important 7 Ease of access/transport to school 5.09
55. The rank analysis reaffirms the importance respondents attribute to quality of education. Class sizes is viewed as the second most important issue when rank analysis is employed, although the average scores for this are similar to the scores for distance from home and the main teaching language.
56. Whilst ease of access and transport to school is ranked lowest on the basis of its average score, respondents were also asked what they consider to be the longest acceptable journey time for their children to and from school.
57. Figure 15 shows that the longest acceptable Figure 15 journey time for almost three quarters of Longest acceptable journey time, either to or from school respondents (73%) was less than 20 minutes each way, with 15% expecting journeys to be less than ten minutes. Only 3% of respondents considered a journey time of half an hour or more to be acceptable.
58. Figure 16 repeats the rank analysis, but considers only the views of those parents likely to select Welsh-medium education for their children on the basis of current primary school provision.
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Vale of Glamorgan Council Survey of School Preference 2009 Summary of Findings
Figure 16 Rank analysis for the most important factors influencing parents' choice of primary school: Respondents likely to select Welsh- medium education on the basis of current primary school provision
Rank Factor Average Score Most 1 Quality of education 1.67 Important 2 Main language used in school 2.84 3 Class sizes 3.65 4 Distance from your home 4.42 5 Another child already at the school 4.98
Least 6 Quality of school buildings/facilities 5.10 Important 7 Ease of access/transport to school 5.33
59. Whilst quality of education remains the most important factor, main language used in school is the second most important factor for these parents. The average score moved in importance by over 1 point, from 3.95 up to 2.86. 60. Finally, Figure 17 presents the rank analysis considering the views of those parents who have other children already attending a primary school in the county. These respondents perceive another child already at the school to be a more important factor as the average score moved from 4.98 up to 4.12, it still only ranks as the fifth most important influence overall.
Figure 17 Rank analysis for the most important factors influencing parents' choice of primary school: Respondents with children already attending a primary school in the county
Rank Factor Average Score Most 1 Quality of education 1.60 Important 2 Class sizes 3.79 3 Main language used in school 3.89 4 Distance from your home 4.02 5 Another child already at the school 4.12
Least 6 Quality of school buildings/facilities 5.22 Important 7 Ease of access/transport to school 5.35
Opinion Research Services The Strand, Swansea SA1 1AF Jonathan Lee Jonathan Young Michael Davies Hugo Marchant enquiries 01792 535300 · [email protected] · www.ors.org.uk
© Copyright October 2009
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APPENDIXAPPENDIX 7 -7 MAP- MAP OF OF VALE VALE OF GLAMORGAN OF GLAMORGAN SCHOOLS SCHOOLS APPENDIX 8 - VALE OF GLAMORGAN WELSH LANGUAGE POLICY
THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN CYNGOR BRO COUNCIL MORGANNWG
Welsh Language Scheme 2008 - 2011
Welsh Language Scheme prepared under the Welsh Language Act 1993
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The Vale of Glamorgan Council has adopted the principle that in the conduct of public business and the administration of justice in Wales, it will treat the English and Welsh languages on a basis of equality.
This scheme sets out how the Council will give effect to that principle when providing services to the public in Wales.
The Scheme has received the approval of the Board under section 14(1) of the Act. Date of approval: 10 March 2008
Further information on the Language Scheme is available from:
Corporate Equalities Officer The Vale of Glamorgan Council Civic Offices Holton Road BARRY CF63 4RU e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 01446-709362 Fax: 01446-70177213
The Council welcomes suggestions from both the public and staff for the improvement of any aspect of its Welsh Language Scheme.
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1: INTRODUCTION
1. The Vale of Glamorgan Council was established in 1996 following local government reorganisation. It is Wales' most southern unitary authority, bounded to the north by the M4 motorway and to the south by the Severn Estuary. It covers 33,097 hectares with 53 kilometres of coastline, including 19 kilometres of Heritage Coast.
2. Based on the 2001 Census, the population of the Vale is 123,275 (2006 mid-year estimate) and this number is expected to remain stable for the remainder of the decade. The estimated number of households in the Vale is 49,500; however, this will continue to grow, to an expected 52,129 households in 2011 as average household size reduces. The age profile of the Vale’s population is also expected to change; the number of children (age 0 - 15) is forecast to drop from 25,247 in 2006 to 21,926 in 2016 whilst the number of people of pensionable age will increase from 21,338 to 26,124.
3. The main settlements are Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major, Dinas Powys and Cowbridge. Barry, the largest town with a population of nearly 50,000 is the Vale's administrative centre, a seaside resort and port. Four miles to the west of the town centre, at Rhoose, is Cardiff International Airport.
4. There are 47 Councillors for the Vale of Glamorgan who represent the community and make decisions about priorities and use of resources. The Council has agreed a Cabinet system of governance with a constitution. The Cabinet comprises 10 Councillors who make decisions on both strategic and operational issues.
5. Councillors not in the Cabinet remain involved in Council business through a system of Scrutiny and other Committees. They have a vital role in examining how decisions are made and in finding out the views of communities which they represent. The Scrutiny Committees examine issues in more detail and report their findings back to the Cabinet for further consideration. There are four Scrutiny Committees for:
• Corporate Resources • Lifelong Learning • Community Well-Being and Safety • Economy and Environment
6. The day-to-day management of the Council is the responsibility of a team of Directors led by the Chief Executive. The Council is organised into 5 Directorates (supplemented by the Chief Executive’s Office):
• Learning and Development • Community Services • Environmental and Economic Regeneration • Legal and Regulatory Services
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• Finance, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Property
7. The vision for the Vale of Glamorgan is set out in the Community Strategy 2003 - 2013. Our vision for the Vale is a place:
• that is safe, clean and attractive, where individuals and communities have opportunities to improve their health, prosperity and well-being, and • where there is a strong sense of community in which local groups and individuals have the capacity and incentive to make an effective contribution to the future of the area.
8. The Council’s Welsh language service can assist in achieving this vision, through encouraging Welsh speakers to participate fully in the cultural, social, economic and political life of the community. The Welsh language is part of the cultural life of the area, and its use enhances active citizenship, community involvement and lifelong learning.
9. As part of its Corporate Plan 2006-2010, the Council has set out the culture to which it aspires, supported by a set of core values. These core values are:
• Customer focus - placing its customers at the centre of service delivery. • Integrity - conducting its business with integrity, ensuring that services are delivered in a transparent and accountable manner which is in the public interest. • Continuous improvement - improving the delivery of services, seeking innovative and effective ways to enhance quality while increasing cost effectiveness. • Involvement - working in partnership with a wide variety of agencies and stakeholders, consulting and involving the community in decision- making and service delivery to ensure ownership of local issues • Fairness - ensuring that everyone in the Vale is able to obtain fair and equal access to services and receives equitable and consistent treatment in their dealings with the Council.
10. An effective and efficient Welsh Language service is integral to achieving these core values. By enabling access to services through the medium of Welsh and offering language choice, the Council will demonstrate its commitment to customer focus. Providing fair and equitable access to information, consultation and opportunities to be engaged in decision- making will demonstrate commitment to fairness, involvement and continuous improvement.
11. The Vale of Glamorgan Council will meet its obligations under the Welsh Language Act 1993 and encourage Welsh speakers living in, working in and visiting the Vale to participate in the cultural, social, economic and political life of the community through the medium of Welsh. It will achieve this by:
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• informing and consulting members of the public using their preferred language; • producing Welsh language information for the public; • encouraging and enabling residents and visitors to access Council services through the medium of Welsh or English according to personal choice; • providing Welsh and English language services; • enabling front-line and other key staff to develop their linguistic skills in order to achieve these objectives.
12. The 2001 Census measured Vale residents knowledge of Welsh and capacity to speak, read, write and understand Welsh.
Vale % Wales % No knowledge of Welsh 83.1 71.6 Understand spoken Welsh only 2.9 4.9 Speaks but does not read or write Welsh 1.6 2.8 Speaks and reads but does not write Welsh 0.7 1.4 Speaks, reads and writes Welsh 8.8 16.3 Other combination of skills 2.9 3.0
13. The 1991 Census only measured individual ability to speak Welsh. The figure for the Vale in 1991 was 6.9%. (18.7% for Wales as a whole). The updated figure for 2001 was 11.1% for the Vale. Whilst the percentage of the people who speak Welsh has risen considerably it is below the national average (20.5%).
14. The Vale of Glamorgan Council adopted its first Welsh Language Scheme in 1998. The first rating of the Council’s Welsh language services produced by the Welsh Language Board in 1998 showed the Vale as fair in service delivery and fair in service management. In 2004, ratings increased to good for both areas.
15. The Council has undertaken a number of activities to improve its Welsh language services: • major policy documents, such as the Community Strategy and Corporate Plan, are published bilingually; • the Council’s community newspaper (Vale Waves) is published bilingually and delivered to all residents in the Vale; • bilingual stationery, logo and signage have been introduced; • key forms and explanatory leaflets are available either bilingually or in Welsh and English; • Welsh language courses are available to staff free of charge to increase confidence in using Welsh; • a Welsh Language Officer is employed to promote and implement the Welsh Language Scheme; • documents and correspondence are translated in-house using the latest computer software to support the use of Welsh; • a bilingual greeting is used as standard for incoming calls to the switch board and by staff;
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• a directory of staff members who are able to speak Welsh is available via the Intranet; • all jobs are assessed for the need to use Welsh; • Council Tax can be paid by telephone through the medium of Welsh; • training sessions in Welsh Language Awareness have been developed and delivered to staff; • a procedure for dealing with complaints and comments by members of the public records issues relating to the Welsh Language; • the generic equalities standard has been introduced; • a generic impact assessment tool (which includes the Welsh language) has been introduced and impact assessments are conducted on all Council policies; • guidelines have been distributed to all departments to remind staff of their obligations under the Scheme.
16. The Council is committed to delivering services through the medium of Welsh and English. Our commitment to language choice is included in the corporate standards of service. Customer Care guidelines are issued to staff and emphasise an approach based on the customer’s needs. The Council recognises that being unable to communicate in their first language may place those concerned at a personal disadvantage.
17. This Scheme has been prepared in the context of the following national and international language policy frameworks and relevant legislation: • The European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages; • The Local Government Equality Improvement Framework • The Welsh Language Act 1993
18. The Council has adopted the Equality Improvement Framework to continually improve its approach to equality including Welsh language, race, gender and disability in both service delivery and employment.
19. In preparation for producing this Welsh Language Scheme, a series of focus groups was held by an independent market research company with Welsh speakers, Welsh learners and with staff groups to determine the perceptions about the Council’s Welsh language service and the requirements of both stakeholders and staff in progressing that service.
20. The aim of this research was to explore the views of both residents of the Vale and members of staff in relation to the current Welsh language provision by the Council and their expectations for the future. The research was conducted through focus groups, with residents and staff members taking part in separate groups. The focus groups for Welsh language speakers were held in the medium of Welsh. Much of the content of this Scheme is based on the outcome of this research.
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2: SERVICE PLANNING AND DELIVERY
New policies and initiatives 21. All Council policies are given consideration for impact upon equalities issues, including the Welsh language, via the reporting process. This ensures that policies are consistent with the Welsh Language Scheme and other language initiatives and do not undermine them.
22. Key Council policies are also assessed for impact on generic equalities issues, including Welsh language. Furthermore, the impact assessments are considered by an independent panel of assessors to corroborate the assessment. New policies and initiatives will be encouraged to promote and facilitate the use of Welsh wherever it is practicable and reasonable to do so.
23. The Council will continue to ensure that new policies and initiatives are consistent with this scheme and do not undermine it. Where any proposals of the Council may affect the scheme, the Welsh Language Board will be consulted beforehand. Where the Council knowingly proposes policies that will affect the Welsh language schemes of other organisations, the Council will consult the Welsh Language Board beforehand.
24. The measures contained in this scheme will be applied to new policies and initiatives when they are implemented.
25. This scheme will not be altered without the Welsh Language Board’s agreement. However, the action plan may be altered from time to time to reflect the monitoring process.
26. The Council is continually developing new policies and initiatives and updating others to help in achieving its objectives. They are available to members of the public, and can often be obtained on the Council’s website.
27. Strategic documents that are of general interest and not technical in nature will be produced bilingually. Examples of this type of document include the Community Strategy and the Corporate Plan.
28. Other strategic documents, of specific interest and/or technical in nature will not be required to be produced bilingually. However, if the full document is not produced bilingually, a summary version or an executive summary must be provided and this must be bilingual and distributed either alongside the full version, or on the Council’s website, or distributed widely via other means. Examples of these strategic documents include the Improvement Plan, the Health, Social Care and Well-being Plan, the Barry Action Strategy, etc.
29. Guidelines highlighting the decision procedure will be produced for and communicated to staff. An annual audit will take place, assessing the
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availability of strategic documents or their summaries for achievement of Welsh Language Scheme objectives.
Delivering services 30. Services vary according to their nature and size. Some are delivered from the Council's main offices, and others operate through district offices, depots, centres, residential establishments and other workplaces. Some services are general in nature, aimed at the general population of the Vale, and others are specific, and are required by a limited number of residents. Others are technical in nature. Some services are provided to people who are vulnerable, possibly due to age, disability or other circumstance. Welsh language services should be considered differently for different audiences and for the different types of services being provided.
31. The majority of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s business is conducted through the medium of English. However, in order to achieve our standards and meet the identified needs of the Vale’s Welsh speaking population, appropriate actions will be taken to improve the delivery of services via the medium of Welsh, having due regard to the nature, size, location and activities being provided. The Scheme will be regularly monitored to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the Vale’s Welsh speaking population, both now and in the future.
32. In the past, Welsh medium service delivery has been reactive and ad hoc. The Council is committed to increasing the services it provides through the medium of Welsh. However, because of the wide range of services it provides and potential costs of arranging such services, service developments will need to be targeted effectively.
33. The Council’s Welsh Language Officer will work with service managers to establish what is already available and to set targets for improving Welsh language services.
34. Targets will be published as part of the business planning process (Service Plans) and monitored by Scrutiny Committees.
35. The majority of contact with the Council by the public will in future take place via the OneVale contact centre and one-stop shop, which will provide dedicated Welsh language provision, both on the telephone and for people who visit.
36. Despite making good progress since the publication of the Council’s first Welsh Language Scheme in 1998, the Council remains short of Welsh speaking staff who are prepared to use their linguistic skills to deliver Council services. In addition, electronic service delivery has increased and the Council must now take these and future changes into account.
The standard of service in Welsh 37. The Council has set standards for services provided through the medium of both Welsh and English that include:
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• response to letters within 10 working days; • response to telephone calls within 6 rings and messages within 5 working days • response to e-mails: 5 working days; • response to Freedom of Information Act requests: 20 working days.
38. The Council, through its standards, is committed to ensuring that communicating with the Council, by whichever means will not of itself lead to delay.
39. Information and consultation activities will be required in different formats, depending on whether the subject matter and whether it is of general interest or a technical matter.
40. Information and consultation activities that are required to be produced in both Welsh and English will normally be produced bilingually. Bilingual documents contain both English and Welsh versions in one document. Bilingual material can be produced in a tilt and turn format, or both languages can be reproduced on the same page. Bilingual documents are the most appropriate method for achieving our service standard of equality of information provision.
41. When a priced document is issued in bilingual format, its price will not be greater than a single language version of the document would be.
42. However, where a database indicating the language preference of service users has been established, information may be produced separately in Welsh and English, with Welsh only versions provided to identified Welsh speakers and English only versions being produced for English speakers. When Welsh and English versions are produced separately, they will be issued simultaneously, distributed together, and be equally accessible, wherever possible. The price of a Welsh version of a document will not be greater than the price of an English version.
3 DEALING WITH THE WELSH-SPEAKING PUBLIC
Correspondence 43. The Council welcomes correspondence in both English and Welsh. Where correspondence has been received in Welsh, any response will also be in Welsh. Response times (set out in the Council’s standards in paragraph 36 above) will be the same for correspondence in both English and Welsh. The Council will deal with email correspondence in the same way.
44. When it is known that an individual, organisation normally uses Welsh or prefers to receive communications in Welsh, correspondence will also be sent in Welsh.
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45. Copies of "Cysill" (the Welsh spell-check) and the local government dictionary are provided for staff responsible for Welsh language correspondence.
Telephone 46. The Council is developing the OneVale contact centre which will eventually deal with all calls from the general public and act as a switchboard for the Council. A dedicated Welsh language line will be provided with a separate number, assisting members of the public in contacting the Council using their preferred language. Welsh language provision will be provided at all times when the contact centre is open. The Welsh language line will be advertised alongside the English language number, without exception, with the same attention (size in advert, etc.) given to the Welsh number.
47. The OneVale contact centre will gradually replace the need for all Council staff to answer telephones. Contact centre staff will act as the ‘front office’ of the Council, where the majority of calls will be ‘one and done’. However, when enquiries need to be passed to a professional to be dealt with, contact centre staff will identify if a caller wishes to be dealt with in Welsh. Contact centre staff will be provided with details of Council staff able and willing to deal with customers in the medium of Welsh.
48. OneVale is a major initiative in relation to the provision of Welsh language services. It is estimated that 80% of all queries will be dealt with by the front office. It will produce a big improvement in how the Council communicates with people wanting to use Welsh. The dedicated Welsh language line will be monitored to examine usage rates and nature of enquiry.
Public meetings 49. Public meetings are defined as open meetings arranged for members of the public to find out about and express their views on a particular issue. Attendance is open to any interested member of the public.
50. Public meetings are not used frequently as a means of consultation as they often have low attendance, and those people who do attend often have a particular concern or view, which is not necessarily representative of the population as a whole.
51. However, when they are used and where the general public is invited (even if only from a specific area or a particular age group) and the subject matter is of general interest, such as the Council’s annual State of Area Debates, translation facilities will be offered prior to the event. Publicity for the meeting must be bilingual and must offer translation facilities by contacting the organiser and requesting them in advance of the meeting. Press releases must be sent to both the English and Welsh language press in the appropriate format (also see sections on press releases and public notices).
Other meetings 52. Face-to-face meetings between members of the public and staff take place in many situations, such as social care, benefits applications, registration
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of births, deaths and marriages, housing enquiries, etc. The Council recognises that there are circumstances, for example ill health or stress, where members of the public may be at a disadvantage if they are not able to use the language of their choice.
53. Council staff will make arrangements to cater for the needs of Welsh speakers in face to face meetings, over the counter, site meetings and at home where possible, especially for customers are known to be Welsh speakers or establish a preference prior to the meeting. When arranging meetings or interviews with members of the public, contact centre staff or officers should establish the language preference of the person(s) attending. Wherever possible, a bilingual officer or translator will be provided to meet this language preference.
54. The Council will undertake an audit of services able to be delivered bilingually, and will prioritise services which need to be developed to provide an enhanced bilingual service. The Welsh Language Officer will work with Heads of Service to identify targets for Welsh medium service delivery. We will develop a directory of services available bilingually.
Other dealings with the public 55. The Council provides a number of reception areas to assist members of the public in accessing Council services. Prior to the introduction of the Council’s one-stop shop (see below) and in the longer term where customers attend appointments with professionals, such reception facilities will be needed.
56. Front-line reception staff in main office locations (Civic Offices, Dock Office, Alps, Haydock House and Greenwood Street) should have Welsh language skills. Person specifications for reception staff will in future contain an ability to communicate via in both English and Welsh as an essential skill. Existing reception staff will be offered intensive Welsh language training opportunities. While such training will not be mandatory, they should be encouraged to attend.
57. The establishment of a one-stop shop for enquiries in person to the Council will make access to information and services easier and available under one roof. When established, it should also enhance the availability of Welsh language information. When the one-stop shop is open, there should always be at least one member of staff available to provide a Welsh language service. This staff can be shared with the contact centre Welsh language telephone line (see above).
58. One-stop shop staff should also wear a badge clearly identifying (bilingually) their name and level of language ability. The Council will provide a badge for front-line staff to make linguistic skills of staff clear.
General 59. Members of the public want to know which councillors are bilingual and would be willing to discuss matters via the medium of Welsh. This information will be publicised on the Council’s website and through the
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Welsh medium press. Councillors will also be encouraged to promote this availability through their own websites, surgeries, etc if appropriate.
4: THE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC FACE
60. The Council believes that its image and public face should reflect that it uses two languages in the community within which it delivers services. This principle is relevant to standard information provided by the Council. We will encourage a culture of bilingualism in our operations and create a positive environment for Welsh speakers to use their chosen language. Pragmatically, this change in culture will be gradual, as signs and information are developed or replaced. Partners, suppliers and contractors will be encouraged to reflect this changing culture.
Corporate identity 61. The Council’s corporate identity already reflects our commitment to Welsh and English. Official logos, letter-headed paper, compliment slips, business cards etc. are bilingual. Vigilance by the Communications Team and the Welsh Language Officer will ensure that non-approved material is firmly and rapidly eliminated.
General Signs 62. The Council believes that its image and public face should reflect the bilingual nature of its community. Where bilingual signs are provided or where separate English and Welsh signs are provided, they will be of equal size, quality, legibility and prominence. The Council will consult the Welsh Language Board on the form of road traffic, directional and place name signs, and in deciding whether a single name is appropriate.
63. Any new or replacement signs for which the Council is responsible will be bilingual. This will be achieved on a replacement and renewal basis. A strategy will be developed to prioritise replacement of non-bilingual signs.
Building signage 64. All newly-provided or replacement signs on Council owned public buildings (offices, schools, leisure centre, libraries, community centres, residential care homes, public toilets, etc.) will have the building name and services provided within the building bilingually. On occasion, for example on women’s refuges, alcohol and drugs misuse centres, etc., the services within the building are not publicised in either Welsh or English. Park signs will be bilingual. Signs erected in areas in which the public has access in public buildings will also be bilingual.
65. The provision of new and replacement signs on school premises is the responsibility of school governors. The Council will encourage schools to provide bilingual signage.
Historic and Tourist Signs 66. Historic and tourist signs commissioned by the Council to direct people to historic and tourist events and venues should be bilingual where feasible.
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Exceptions are where names are traditionally known only in English (for example The Captain’s Wife) or Welsh (Ty Hafan).
67. This requirement will be achieved on a replacement and renewal basis. A strategy will be developed to prioritise replacement of non-bilingual signs.
Place Names 68. The Council has a statutory duty to maintain accurate and updated lists of the names of towns, villages, communities and wards as well as new developments. In each case the Council will ensure that it maintains a standardised and accurate list, consulting with the Welsh Language Board where appropriate on the standardised forms of place names.
Street Signs 69. While the Council has the right to decide on the names of new streets, we recognise the importance of local opinion. When erecting street signs, including signs for new streets and new development signs, we will consult elected members, town and community councils, developers, the Post Office and local people, as appropriate, taking these views into account where possible. We will adopt a guidance note setting out clearly how street signs and place names are to be agreed.
70. The policy for new street names and developments will be to adopt the name that is consistent with the heritage and history of the area, encouraging the use of Welsh where appropriate. The Council will consult the Welsh Language Board to ensure that Welsh street names are grammatically correct. Street names and street signs will use one language only, to avoid confusion.
71. For replacement street signs, the indigenous street signs will remain in the ‘known’ language.
Temporary Traffic Signs 72. Council-owned temporary traffic signs will continue to be bilingual.
73. Contractors erecting temporary signs will be encouraged to use bilingual signage. This will be required as an integral part of the contracting process.
Publications and forms 74. Information/consultation activities that are produced for the general public and are of general interest will be produced bilingually. Examples include comment cards in leisure and countryside venues, the Council’s newspaper, Council Tax newsletter, tourism brochures and public opinion surveys.
75. Information/consultation activities that are produced for the general public and but are of a technical nature will generally be produced in English only, but may be produced in Welsh. If the intention is to produce a document in Welsh upon request, a statement should be included within the English language document specifying that this is the case and how to obtain a Welsh language version.
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76. Information/consultation activities that are produced for specific groups and are of general interest will be produced bilingually unless there is an established database providing details of the language preference of individuals in the specific group. If such a database is in use and is updated on a regular basis (at least annually), information should be produced and distributed according to the expressed language preference.
77. Information/consultation produced for specific groups and are of technical nature will be produced in English only.
78. Specific groups are known to the originator of the information/consultation. The names, addresses and other personal information of customers/clients are known. Their language preference can be listed in a database, either in electronic or paper format. General public refers to residents/visitors not within specific groups. General public can include specific age groups or targeting a specific geographical location. Because the individuals are not known to the originator of the information/consultation, they are regarded as general public.
79. A Technical matter is defined as information which uses technical language not in use by the general public, scientific information and calculations. Jargon is not classed as technical matter, and this should not be used in any case when communicating with members of the general public or with specific groups. General interest information/consultation is classed as information not of a technical nature.
80. The following matrix helps to illustrate this structure:
Type of information
General interest Technical matter
Material produced Generally published General public bilingually in English only
Material produced bilingually unless a database is established
Audience identifying language Material is produced Specific groups preference, in which in English only case material is distributed according to expressed language preference.
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81. The above matrix should be used when assessing language requirements of: • Newspapers/newsletters • Leaflets and brochures • Promotional materials • Booklets • Guidance • Posters • Forms and guidance material • Consultation activities • Strategic documents
82. A publication scheme will be developed for and communicated to staff to assist them in publishing material in the correct format. Where information is not routinely published in Welsh, requests for information to be translated will be considered on a case by case basis in accordance with the Council’s Welsh Language Scheme.
83. An audit of Council publications and documents will be conducted in order to ascertain how the documents are currently produced. The results will be assessed by the Council’s Corporate Management Team, with the assistance of the Corporate Equalities Officer, and priorities for action identified. In addition, an audit will take place annually, organised by the Council’s Communications Team, to assess the quality of printed materials and achievement of Welsh Language Scheme objectives.
84. Information, consultation and documents produced for use by Council staff and elected members will be produced in English.
85. Information aimed specifically at Welsh language users will be provided in Welsh only. Examples may include consultations about Welsh language services or information about Welsh language provision.
86. A separate Welsh Education Scheme has been developed and is available bilingually.
Press notices 87. Press releases will be prepared: • in English for the English medium press; • in Welsh for the Welsh medium press; • bilingually when targeted at both English and Welsh media.
88. Local press attracts most of the Council’s press attention and there is very limited local press provision via the medium of Welsh covering the Vale of Glamorgan. Press releases aimed primarily at the local press will be issued in English.
89. Press releases will be issued bilingually where there may be a genuine national press interest, or where the national press is likely to take up the story. Stories with a Welsh language audience in mind will be targeted at the Welsh language media in the Welsh language.
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90. Where the Welsh language media request an interview, a knowledgeable, media-trained Welsh speaking interviewee will be provided where possible. It would not be appropriate to provide a Welsh speaker with little knowledge of the subject matter.
91. Where the Welsh language media request a written response to a media enquiry, this response will be provided in Welsh.
Publicity, advertising and exhibitions 92. Advertising and marketing promotional material for the Welsh language media must be produced in Welsh. Advertising and marketing promotional material for the English language media must be produced in English.
93. Brochures and promotional materials should follow the guidelines outlined above on general public/specific groups and general interest/technical matters.
94. Permanent exhibitions, designed to be used on several occasions, should be bilingual. Temporary exhibitions, designed to be used on only one or two occasions (for not more than 3 days in total) may be in English only, unless they are for a Welsh speaking audience, in which case they may be in Welsh only. However, temporary exhibitions that are bilingual completely or in part are encouraged as a matter of good practice.
95. External organisations displaying exhibitions within Council buildings will be encouraged to provide bilingual displays when requesting the display space.
Official notices, public notices and recruitment advertisements 96. Public notices which are of interest to the general public will be bilingual unless there are notices placed concurrently in both the English and Welsh language press using both languages as appropriate. Public notices displayed on lampposts, public notice-boards, etc. must also be bilingual.
97. Press, journal or other notices advertising for suppliers may be in English only (see also the section on staff recruitment)..
Council website 98. The Council has adopted a Content Management System (CMS) to update its website (www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk). This website will provide a prominent toggle button on the front page allowing the user to choose between an English or Welsh interface/content. The domain name www.bromorgannwg.gov.uk has been established and points users directly to the Welsh language version of the website.
99. The Welsh website will be a replica of the English version, translated in its entirety down to the first three layers. Once the website becomes established and the basic content translated, press releases and events will also be translated. Beyond three levels, translation of pages and documents will be undertaken according to demand, so that the most popular pages are available bilingually.
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100. A Welsh speaker’s page will be available on the Welsh website. This will offer news, guidance and links for Welsh users in the Vale and, as such, it will be unique to the Welsh website.
101. Every effort will be made to release key information simultaneously in English and in Welsh, although this will not always be possible due to the CMS, and there may be a short delay. Amendments and news items will be a priority.
102. Consultation will be undertaken with Welsh language web users to establish their existing and changing needs on a regular basis and to aid with continuous development.
5: IMPLEMENTING AND MONITORING THE SCHEME
Staffing 103. The Welsh Language Officer will identify staff able and willing to use their Welsh language abilities to benefit the Council and its customers and ensure that the Oracle system records this information. In addition, it should record the level of ability and the level of interaction the member of staff is prepared to undertake.
104. The Welsh Language Officer will prepare guidance for managers and staff outlining what responsibilities that staff at different levels should undertake. In addition, in order to plan for future staffing requirements, a linguistic skills strategy will be prepared.
Recruiting staff 105. In order to increase the Welsh language services available, the Council must increase the number of staff with Welsh language skills. The main consideration will be the degree of contact with the Welsh-speaking public. In the first instance, jobs will need to be assessed to identify whether Welsh language skills for each post are: • essential; • desirable; • not specified.
106. Where linguistic ability is considered to be essential or desirable, it will be stated in the job description and person specification and included in the full job advertisements (available on-line). This information should also be entered into the Council’s Oracle system.
107. Some aspects of the recruitment process will also be bilingual. Application forms and standard letters will be bilingual, and application forms will be accepted in both English and Welsh.
108. Recruitment advertising conveys the Council’s commitment to the Welsh language and helps to attract staff with Welsh language skills. Standard information, such as the name of the Council and the initiating department, and all standard unchanging information, will be displayed bilingually as the minimum standard. 17
109. Other aspects of the recruitment process will be either bilingual, in Welsh or in English only, depending on the nature of the post being advertised. For posts where Welsh is considered to be essential, recruitment advertising (internal, external press, job centres, etc.) will be in Welsh only, with an explanation in English as why this post is advertised in Welsh only:
This is an advertisement is for a position for which the ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh is essential.
110. Where Welsh language skills are desirable, or where Welsh language skills are not required, the job will be advertised in English only. The following table helps to illustrate these requirements:
Welsh not Welsh essential Welsh desirable required Recruitment Welsh only English only English only advertising
111. All appointments will continue to be made on merit and in accordance with equal opportunities policies and employment legislation.
112. The form and style of advertisements for school-based staff at Vale of Glamorgan community schools is decided by the Headteacher and Governors. The Council will encourage schools to adopt good practice in advertisements.
113. For posts where oral Welsh is essential, a Welsh first language speaker (or the Welsh Language Officer) will ask a number of questions (agreed by the interview panel) via the medium of Welsh. For posts where written Welsh is essential, the Welsh Language Officer will administer a written test.
114. To encourage applicants with Welsh language skills, a partnership will be developed with Ysgol Bro Morgannwg and Barry College, through a “jobs fair”, work experience opportunities and other means.
Welsh language training for staff 115. The Council encourages and supports staff and elected members to learn or to improve their Welsh. All new staff are offered an induction to the Council, which outlines the standards of service and an outline of the requirements of the Welsh Language Scheme.
116. Not all Welsh learning can be funded by the Council. Training in language skills must be prioritised to achieve the greatest value for money. The highest training priority will be for staff who are in posts where Welsh language skills are essential. Where staff are already in these posts, or where the most suitable appointee needs to develop their linguistic skills further, intensive training will be arranged and funded by the Council, and targets will be agreed for the desired level and timescale. For candidates
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being offered such a post, this agreement will be established within the letter of appointment.
117. For staff where Welsh language skills are desirable, training may be arranged and funded by the Council. Priority will be given to staff needing training as agreed in their Personal or Team Development Review and contained in directorate training plans.
118. Training can also be offered to other staff at the discretion of their manager.
119. Based on information contained in directorate training plans, the Corporate Equalities Officer will develop an annual training programme. The delivery of training will be reviewed and monitored on a termly basis in respect of assessment of levels of ability achieved and rates of attendance. Where learners have dropped out of their courses, the reasons will be identified and used to improve the training delivery. Welsh speaking members of staff will be asked to help and encourage Welsh learners to use their Welsh in the workplace.
120. Chief officers will assess the need for vocational training in Welsh for identified bilingual staff. Appropriate training will be provided to improve language skills, subject to budgetary constraints and according to the needs of the service.
121. Training provision will include particular skills and specialisms, such as word processing, technical language, translation, media skills and language relating to particular professions, such as social work.
122. For staff who have some Welsh language skills already, refresher training will be offered to staff who are prepared to use their language skills to benefit of the Council and its customers.
Administrative arrangements 123. The Scheme will be approved by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring that the scheme is implemented throughout the Council. Chief officers are responsible for implementing the Scheme within their departments. Executive Members are responsible for ensuring implementation of the Scheme within their individual portfolio areas and jointly as part of the Cabinet. Non-executive elected members are responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Scheme as part of the Scrutiny process.
124. The Corporate Equalities Officer and the Welsh Language and Equalities Officer will communicate the Scheme to staff, partners and elected members and ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and that the associated action plan is implemented.
125. Managers and staff also have a duty, within their areas of work, to implement the Scheme. This includes providing good customer care to our Welsh speaking customers and providing a service that is as of high a standard as that provided through the medium of English. We will ensure
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that staff and members involved in policy formulation are aware of the Scheme and their responsibilities in its implementation.
Translation facilities 126. The Council will provide a range of specialist translation and interpreting services. Specialist translators will be employed by the Council and be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of translation work.
127. Other, Welsh speaking members of staff will not normally be asked to translate Welsh material, although if they have the appropriate skills they can respond to correspondence in Welsh. This is a job for specialist translators.
Services which are contracted out or carried out by other bodies 128. Council services are increasingly delivered through partnering and contracting arrangements. Partners and grant-funded agencies will be encouraged to meet the needs of their Welsh language customers and clients effectively.
129. The Council works in partnership with a number of public bodies, organisations from the voluntary sector and other agencies. The Council’s partners will be encouraged to meet the needs of their Welsh speaking users by providing bilingual information and services. The Council works on many levels when working with others: • When the Council is the strategic and financial leader within a partnership, it will ensure that the public service provision is compliant with the Council’s Welsh Language Scheme. • When the Council joins a partnership in which another body is leading, the Council input to the partnership will comply with the Council’s Welsh Language Scheme and the Council will encourage other parties to comply. • When the Council is a partner in a consortium, it will encourage the consortium to adopt a bilingual policy. When acting publicly in the name of the consortium, the Council will act in accordance with its Welsh Language Scheme. • When the Council joins or forms a partnership, it will ask prospective members about their Welsh language schemes, language policies or the means by which they operate bilingually. Within any partnership the Council will offer advice and support to other partner agencies where possible, or will put them in contact with the Welsh Language Board for assistance. • The Council will prepare guidance for officers who are involved in partnership working, outlining the Council’s responsibilities in accordance with this Scheme and stating how officers should apply the requirements of it in partnership working.
130. Organisations funded by the Council (either through running costs or project-funded) will be expected to demonstrate that they are meeting the needs of their Welsh language users. Contracts and service level agreements will outline the requirements for Welsh language users. Grant applicants will be encouraged, through application forms, to identify how they will provide services for Welsh language clients. 20
Statutory or other regulating functions 131. The Council discharges statutory and regulatory functions which regulate and control the provision of services to the public, including those provided by other organisations and bodies. These functions include granting of licenses and planning applications and consents.
132. Application documents for use by the public will be issued bilingually. The Council will encourage other organisations to follow bilingual practices in their application and communication processes.
Monitoring 133. The Council will monitor how well it is meeting its commitment to implement the Scheme through the following mechanisms: • quarterly monitoring of service planning including action plans and performance indicators; • annual improvement planning, including achievement of targets and a summary of achievement of the Welsh Language Scheme; • an annual report to Corporate Management Team and the Welsh Language Board.
134. Annual monitoring reports will be compiled by the Corporate Equalities Unit in consultation with managers and officers involved in delivery of the Scheme and will consist of a review of progress in: • achievement of Scheme objectives; • achievement of the Scheme action plan; • achievement of the targets in relation to the performance indicators set out above; • examples of good practice; • areas of weakness where improvement is required and how these areas will be dealt with.
135. The Council will conduct a linguistic audit of staff and will continue to record and monitor the names of staff with Welsh language skills who are willing to use these skills in the work environment. These staff will be listed on the Council’s StaffNet.
136. The Council will conduct periodic opinion surveys to consult Welsh speakers on the standard of service that they are receiving in Welsh.
Complaints 137. The Council welcomes feedback from members of the public and would like to know when things go wrong and how they can be improved. Complaints about the Welsh language service are handled as part of the Council’s existing complaints procedure.
Publishing information and publicity 138. The Welsh Language Scheme and annual monitoring reports will be published on the Council’s website. It will also be made available free of charge to partners, external agencies and individuals requesting a copy.
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139. The Council’s website will provide information on services that are available in Welsh and how they can be accessed. Other methods will also be used to publicise this information: • public notices • notices in Council offices • leaflet outlining the Council's Welsh Language Commitment and services • Vale Waves, the Council’s quarterly community newspaper • guidance to employees
Publishing information on performance 140. The Council will adopt all indicators that are national statutory and core data set performance indicators and collect data and set targets against them. We will also adopt a limited number of local indicators which will assist in measuring progress against this scheme, and provide any existing data to the Welsh Language Board as part of our annual reporting.
141. Targets will be monitored quarterly and reviewed annually as part of the performance management process to reflect changing financial and statutory circumstances.
142. The Council will monitor the following:
• The level of conformity with Welsh language among third parties operating on behalf of the Council.
The Council will undertake an annual sample of contracts with third parties to identify conformity issues with the requirements for the Welsh language as set out in the Council’s procurement guidance. It will be reported as a percentage of those sampled (numerator and denominator will be provided).
• Information on current staffing and recruitment to frontline posts.
Frontline posts are those in the ‘front office’ of the Council and will be measured on the basis of these positions. Increasingly, this will come to mean the Onevale contact centre. It will be measured as a percentage of those identified in front line posts (numerator and denominator will be provided).
• Number of staff undertaking training and to what level/degree of proficiency.
This will be measured based on the number of staff undertaking Welsh language training provided by the Council. This measure will be reported as a number under each of the categories: Entry and Foundation; Intermediate; Advanced; Advanced/Mastering.
• Number of staff with Welsh skills in the Council.
This indicator will be measured on the basis of those individuals listed on the list of Welsh speakers on the Council’s Staffnet. 22
• Number of complaints about implementation of the Welsh language scheme.
This performance indicator will be measured on the basis of the number of those complaints about the content or implementation of the Welsh language scheme, which will be investigated by and responded to by the Equalities Team.
143. Targets will be set annually as part of the Council’s business planning process and will be monitored quarterly by elected members. Performance against targets will be published annually in the Council’s Improvement Plan.
144. The Council will produce an annual report on progress with implementation of its Welsh language scheme, which will be published on the Council’s website.
Timetable 145. An action plan has been produced to assist the implementation of the Scheme. It includes details of actions, references to other plans, officer responsible, start and finish dates, success criteria and resource requirements. It also provides space for progress updates to be made against the actions. A timetable of actions is attached in appendix 1.
146. The action plan will be updated annually, and will inform other Service and Team Plans in the Human Resources and Equalities Department. The Head of Human Resources and Equalities will be responsible for quarterly monitoring reports to scrutiny committee and for reviewing annually the implementation of the Scheme action plan. Where actions and targets are not achieved, an explanation of the reasons why and actions being taken to resolve the underachievement will be provided.
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Appendix 1
TIMETABLE OF ACTIONS
COMPLETION REF ACTION DATE WLS1 Design and circulate a database for use by November 2008 departments to register individuals and organisations who wish to communicate with the Council in Welsh. Register for DPA. WLS2 Undertake an audit of Council publications and December documents, identifying how they are currently produced 2007 and assessing how they should be produced. WLS3 Assess the outcome of the audit (in WLS2) and April prioritise actions. 2008 WLS4 Revise guidelines for Open Public Meetings and re- Aug publish on the Intranet 2008 WLS5 Undertake an annual audit of promotional materials to February 2008 assess achievement of WLS objectives. and annually WLS6 Establish a contact centre and one-stop shop with September Welsh language provision. 2009 WLS7 Contact centre staff establish and communicate the September language preference of customers to back office staff. 2009 WLS8 Monitor usage of contact centre Welsh language line September and nature of contact. 2009 WLS9 Undertake an annual audit of new strategic documents April 2008 and to assess achievement of WLS objectives. annually WLS10 Undertake consultation with Welsh language speakers Dec 2008 to identify priorities for a Welsh language website. WLS11 Develop a Welsh Language website for the Council. Nov 07 WLS12 Develop a page on the Council’s website for July 2008 information on Welsh language issues. Publish information about what services are available in Welsh and how they can be accessed. WLS13 Review posters welcoming use of Welsh, redesign and December distribute to reception areas. 2008 WLS14 Develop clear badges for reception staff identifying December their language abilities. 2008 WLS15 Review the job descriptions and person specifications February of reception staff and revise for new staff to include 2008 Welsh language abilities. WLS16 Offer Welsh language training to existing reception November staff. 2008 WLS17 Assist elected members to publicise their Welsh March language skills. 2009 WLS18 Produce and communicate guidelines in a publication June scheme 2009 WLS19 Develop design guidance to reflect the revised WLS. November 2007 WLS20 Redesign Council notepaper with a statement January welcoming correspondence in Welsh and English 2008 WLS21 Increase the number of press releases targeted at the April Welsh medium press. 2009 WLS22 Introduce an annual sample of public notices to assess December achievement of WLS objectives. 2008
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WLS23 Prepare guidance for officers who are involved in June partnership working, outlining the Council’s 2008 responsibilities in accordance with this Scheme and stating how officers should apply the requirements of it in partnership working. WLS24 Develop a strategy to prioritise replacement of non- December bilingual historic and tourist signage. 2008 WLS25 Adopt a guidance note setting out clearly how street December signs and place names are to be agreed. 2008 WLS26 Undertake a sample audit of letters received and January replied to in Welsh. 2009 WLS27 Conduct an audit of services that are available November bilingually. 2008 WLS28 Prioritise services which need to be developed to March provide an enhanced bilingual service. 2009 WLS29 Work with managers to identify targets for Welsh May medium service delivery. 2009 WLS30 Develop a directory of services available bilingually. February 2009 WLS31 Publish electronically a directory of services for staff April and public. 2009 WLS32 Monitor Service Plans to ensure that actions and June targets are being effectively implemented and 2008 monitored. WLS33 Redesign Voluntary Action Scheme and other funding December application forms to demonstrate how the needs of 2008 Welsh language customers will be met. WLS34 Audit contracts and Service Level Agreements for October inclusion of performance on Welsh language issues. 2009 WLS35 Develop a process for an audit of Welsh speakers in December teams 2008 WLS36 Conduct an audit of Welsh speakers in teams December 2008 WLS37 Establish a directory of staff with Welsh Language December Skills. 2008 WLS38 Communicate the directory to staff using a variety of November different tools. 2008 WLS39 Coordinate a review the directory annually in June. June 2009 WLS40 Establish Welsh Language skills on the HR and Payroll April IT system. 2009 WLS41 Develop bilingual recruitment advertising in line with November the WLS. 2008 WLS42 Revise recruitment forms and standard letters. April 2009 WLS43 Redesign recruitment advertising to include all December standard information bilingually 2007 WLS44 Develop guidelines for schools for recruitment November advertising. 2008 WLS45 Develop standardised written tests for candidates October where written Welsh is essential. 2008 WLS46 Introduce a “jobs fair” with Barry College and Ysgol Bro Dec Morgannwg to encourage work experience and job 2008 applicants with Welsh language skills. WLS47 Undertake an audit of Cysill availability and ensure that April every department has access to it. 2009
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WLS48 Provide teams with guidance on dealing with Welsh November speaking telephone callers and communicate via 2008 internal communication mechanisms. WLS49 Review guidelines to staff on establishing language November choice. 2008 WLS50 Produce and communicate guidance for managers November outlining staff responsibilities in relation to the use of 2008 the Welsh language. WLS51 Develop an annual training plan to include basic, March intensive and refresher training, prioritising as 2009 appropriate within the resources available. WLS52 Conduct a monthly audit sample of Cabinet reports on June Welsh language issues. 2009 WLS53 Produce a linguistic skills strategy. March 2008 WLS54 Publish the Welsh Language Scheme bilingually in a August range of formats. 2008 WLS55 Communicate the WLS to chief officers and staff using August the full range of internal communication mechanisms 2008 available. WLS56 Review and revise the WLS action plan annually in December June in consultation with managers. 2008 WLS57 Achieve Level 5 of the Generic Equalities Standard March 2009 WLS58 Adopt core data set PIs in relation to the Welsh August language 2008 WLS59 Establish management information systems to record August progress in Welsh language issues 2008 WLS60 Produce an annual report on achievement of WLS in March 2008 consultation with officers involved in WLS delivery and annually WLS61 Publish WLS and annual monitoring reports on the March 2009 Council’s website. and annually
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