Estyn joins literacy discussion at Urdd Eisteddfod 2026
Estyn joined education partners from across Wales at this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod on Anglesey for a panel discussion focusing on reading and literacy.
Hosted on Dysgu’s stand on the Maes, the Q&A session brought together representatives from across the education sector to discuss the importance of reading and collaborative approaches to supporting literacy across Wales.
The panel included:
- Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Estyn
- Meurig Jones, Director of Professional Learning, Dysgu
- Huw Davies, Principal, Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni
- Bethan Jones, Head of Children’s Books and Reading Promotion, Welsh Book Council
- Lleucu Siencyn, Director of Strategy and Delivery, Adnodd
The discussion was facilitated by Dyfed Williams, Dysgu’s Leader of Cymraeg, Craidd.
The session provided an opportunity to highlight Estyn’s focus on reading over the coming years and to showcase the collaboration taking place between national organisations, schools and the wider education sector to support learners’ reading skills and enjoyment of reading.
HMCI Owen Evans said: “Reading is a lifelong skill that opens doors to future opportunities and through our enhanced focus on reading, we aim to better support learners to make progress across all areas of the curriculum and have better life chances.
“It was helpful to reflect on how we can collectively encourage a positive culture of reading, and drive standards through professional learning and effective teaching and evaluation.”
