Sourced from the latest Dysg eNewsletter.
Publication of Estyn’s Thematic Review: Implementation of ALN reforms Estyn published the first thematic report on the implementation of the additional learning needs (ALN) system in Wales. This is the first of two thematic reviews that I have commissioned Estyn to undertake, with the aim of assessing how effectively maintained primary schools, secondary schools and local authorities are implementing key aspects of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018.
Pupil Absence in Schools Attendance rates have not recovered since Covid, and the publication of statistics on absence from Secondary Schools 2022/23 is a stark reminder of the continuing impact on our children and young people. There is emerging evidence to suggest this is a global concern. Understanding pupil absence in schools in Wales report, Parentkind
WELSH GOVERNMENT EDUCATION NEWS
Emergency planning and response guidance for education and childcare settings
How educational and childcare settings should plan for and deal with emergencies, including significant public health incidents and severe weather.
Headteachers/Principals: Interested in a conversation with Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education & Welsh Language?
12 October 2023 – 16:30 to 17:30
If you’d like to take part in an open and informal chat with the Minister, please email in for more information.
A national framework for the Siarter Iaith (Welsh Language Charter)
The aim of this document is to provide a national framework for the Siarter Iaith, to assist practitioners and stakeholders to increase the use of Cymraeg by children and young people.
Curriculum for Wales case study British Sign Language (BSL)
British Sign Language (BSL) at Sea View Community Primary School case study.
Community Focused Schools guidance: Developing community engagement in Community Focused Schools
This guidance has been developed to support schools and other key stakeholders to develop their community engagement as part of a Community Focused Schools approach. We also published an infographic which provides an overview of Community Focused Schools. This builds on our Community Focused Schools guidance and Developing family engagement in Community Focused Schools guidance previously published.
Personalised Assessments – Training materials
Refresh your understanding of the personalised assessments and reports with the step-by-step webinars on the system.
A final call for nominations for the 2023 Youth Work Excellence Awards
You have until midnight tonight to get your nominations in. Just follow this link.
Youth work funding review: initial report
Executive summary of the initial phase of the youth work funding review.
welsh government news
Welsh Government commits to promises to looked-after children
First Minister Mark Drakeford has today signed the new Corporate Parenting Charter, committing the Welsh Government to nine promises when working with care-experienced children and young people.
consultations
Curriculum for Wales: continuing the journey
We want your views on guidance to replace the ‘The journey to curriculum roll-out’ section of the Curriculum for Wales Framework guidance. Closing date: 13 November 2023
Education Workforce Council (Additional Categories of Registration) (Wales) Order 2024
We want your views on how we intend to strengthen the registration needs of those working in the post-16 sector. Closing date: 21 November 2023
more education news
Qualifications Wales confirms a return to pre-pandemic exam and assessment arrangements this year
Qualifications Wales has announced the approach for exams and assessments for the 2023-2024 academic year, confirming that GCSE, AS, A level and Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications in Wales will largely return to pre-pandemic arrangements.
NAEL: National Leadership Survey
National Academy for Educational Leadership launched its first National Leadership Survey. The aim of the survey is to capture the views, opinions and experiences of leaders from across Wales. We welcome the views of all leaders from schools, the youth work sector and the Post Compulsory Education & Training (PCET) sector. Have your say and complete the survey. The survey will be live until Friday 10 November 2023.
other news
ITV’s ‘Britain Get Talking’ wants to work with your school
This World Mental Health Day, Tuesday 10 October, ITV’s Britain Get Talking and YoungMinds’ #HelloYellow are collaborating to help children all over the UK open up with a different kind of homework. Ant and Dec have recorded an assembly video to introduce the initiative and help your students get talking. To find out more or download a free teachers’ pack.
Urdd opens first-of-its-kind Environmental and Wellbeing Residential Centre
Wales’s largest youth organisation, Urdd Gobaith Cymru is celebrating the opening of its fourth Residential Centre. The first of its kind in Wales, Pentre Ifan Environmental and Wellbeing Residential Centre will prioritise the environment, the emotional wellbeing of young people and the Welsh language in one magical residential experience.
Save a Life Cymru
Every secondary school should have a defibrillator – let Save a Life Cymru know if you have or you need one. We can help you get a free defibrillator and support its maintenance. We can also help you look after any defibs you already have on your site. Contact us.
Restart a Heart
On Monday 16 October 2023 to mark Restart a Heart Day, the Welsh Ambulance Service will be co-ordinating CPR training to students across secondary schools in Wales. The event is free to all secondary schools in Wales. Spaces are limited. To register your school’s interest, please complete the Restart a Heart School registration form.
