Wellbeing must continue to be a priority says Chief Inspector as she recognises the resilience of educators

Practitioners in schools, colleges and settings across Wales are showing remarkable resilience and perseverance during the pandemic, according to the Chief Inspector of education and training in her Annual

Report 2020−21 published today. Leaders, teachers − all educators – have been flexible and creative, continually adapting in innovative ways. 

Claire Morgan, Chief Inspector says,
 

It’s been another very demanding year, and everyone working in education and training has once again risen to the challenges. 

The impact of learners’, staff and leaders’ wellbeing on education cannot be emphasised enough. Continuing to prioritise their wellbeing is essential to ensure learners in Wales can keep learning.

The pandemic has made everyone rethink many aspects of teaching, provision and wellbeing for now and in the future – improving digital learning, strengthening links with communities and parents, and evaluating learners’ progress over time. 

It’s vital we continue to capture and share our collective learning and understanding and build on the positive progress.

Many providers took decisions during the pandemic that will help them in the future. In particular, the Annual Report emphasises that schools need use the same mindset that energised them to rethink teaching and learning, as they plan and prepare for the Curriculum for Wales. 

But the Chief Inspector also signals that some areas need monitoring closely for longer-term effects. Learners’ progress in areas such as their independence, and communication and social skills will need ongoing support. Pupils’ Welsh language skills are also highlighted as a potential concern, as well as challenges in assessment in secondary schools, FE colleges and work-based learning.

Ysgol Gyfun Y Strade, Carmarthenshire, is one of the cameos the report shares of interesting practice shown by providers during the pandemic. It added a ‘Botwm Becso’ (Concern Button) to its website for pupils to use at any time of day or night to report their concerns or worries. The information is confidential and goes straight to the assistant headteacher responsible for wellbeing who then contacts the pupil and decides how best to support them.

Claire Morgan, HMCI, concludes,

The impact of the ongoing pandemic on our teachers and other educators is not to be underestimated. As we approach a new term and I hand over to a new Chief Inspector, we’ll continue to make sure our inspection plans are flexible and support renewal and reform.