Estyn announces new approach to equity

Estyn has announced how its school inspections from autumn will reinforce the national push to create an equitable education system in Wales. 

A deeper focus on equity from September will see inspectors closely examine and report on the impact that schools have on the progress and attainment of pupils disadvantaged by poverty. Inspectors will consider how headteachers and other leaders ensure that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds have equal access to all aspects of the school’s work, including after-school activities. There will also be a renewed focus on how leaders use the pupil development grant to help mitigate the impact of poverty on these pupils’ attainment and wellbeing.  

Owen Evans, Chief Inspector, stresses the role inspection plays,

We saw that however hard it was for all pupils during the pandemic, its effects on children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds were amplified.

We want to see what schools are doing to make the biggest difference – and what more could they be doing. From the autumn term, we’ll consider how well schools establish positive relationships with families and the wider school community to improve the life chances of all pupils.

We also expect to see pupils from all backgrounds playing a full part in the life and work of their school, being listened to and stimulated and engaged in the classroom.

Through its engagement work, Estyn has seen positive steps already taken by schools to support pupils and families who faced issues due to socio-economic disadvantage during the pandemic. Case studies of best practice also published by the inspectorate highlight that schools that successfully support vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils see barriers to learning as a challenge to be overcome, not a problem.