Put improving teaching and learning first says Estyn as pandemic effects continue

Education and training in Wales continues to feel the effects of the pandemic, according to the Estyn Chief Inspector’s Annual Report 2021-22. Most learners’ progress has, to varying extents, been negatively affected and the problem is being compounded by issues in recruiting suitably qualified staff. In response, the inspectorate has this year provided resources to help those working in education and training to support the continuing focus on improvement.  

Curriculum reform remains a challenge and whilst there is good news around how schools are adapting, progress remains variable. Owen Evans, Chief Inspector, says,

Despite the continued effort to tackle the after-effects of the pandemic, there has been a considerable emphasis on developing a new curriculum in schools. What we are seeing from our inspection activity and other engagement with schools is that the most successful leaders have continued to relentlessly emphasise the quality of teaching and its impact on learning. This helps them to address many of their current challenges, including curriculum reform.

Teachers should rely on their own teaching skills and experience to make that difference and use available resources, such as the self-evaluation prompts in my Annual Report and the Welsh Government guidance on the Curriculum for Wales.

The report highlights case studies from successful education and training providers around Wales, including Whitmore High School, Barry. Here, staff firmly believe in values that place learners first and provide them with consistently good teaching as well as many opportunities outside lessons. In Bridgend College, independent living skills learners benefit from a curriculum that offers realistic work opportunities based on their aspirations.

The report highlights how schools can make a difference to the national priorities such as Welsh language education, another area which felt the impact of lockdowns on skills development. It also builds on how Estyn’s research aims to promote greater collaboration across post-16 provision and emphasises equity as a priority across all sectors, an area in which Estyn has also stepped up its focus.

Owen Evans continues,

Alleviating the impact of poverty on educational attainment is of huge importance. The work of schools and other providers is only one part of the solution to tackling child poverty, but they can play an important role. Today’s report has valuable examples of how providers who are particularly effective in this area tackle its impact.