From funding cuts to pupil absence, violence against teachers and trailing attainment Wales’ new Education Minister Lynne Neagle has a daunting in-tray. Key issues that faced her predecessor Jeremy Miles remain largely unresolved as schools tackle post-pandemic problems against the backdrop of Welsh Government reforms and slashed budgets.
Matters on the agenda for schools include Wales’ worst ever performance in UK and international Pisa league tables as well as stubbornly poor pupil attendance and behaviour. Ms Neagle will also need to face up to the angry backlash from staff unions over Welsh government plans to shorten the six week summer holidays.
Teaching unions have shown their power and willingness to take strike action after their successful walk out over pay last year and have threatened the same over changes to the school calendar. Ms Neagle will want to demonstrate the Welsh Government’s education reforms are working and will need their support to produce visible results and improvements. You can read more about what the Chief Inspector for Schools…
