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Education

Pembrokeshire County Council Failings lead to set up of Education Recovery Board

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huw-lewis-265017737-2512757Concerned parents and guardians of our County’s children will be disappointed with the decision by the Welsh Assembly to appoint a Welsh Recovery Board to oversee improvements, once again, in Pembrokeshire County Council’s education service. This comes after nearly two years of our Council attempting to resolve this worrying situation, without, it would appear, satisfactory success.

In 2011, a report by Children Commissioner for Wales, Keith Towler, led to a team being sent by the Assembly with the purpose of overseeing change in Pembrokeshire County Council’s policies and systems for safeguarding children and young people. These were judged to be ‘unfit for purpose’ by ESTYN who had produced a report at that time.

Council leader at the time, John Davies, assured voters and County constituents that Pembrokeshire County Council were not hiding from the matters raised, and he promised improvements and change in order to meet the requirements of both ESTYN and the Welsh Assembly.

It will come as grim news, therefore, that now Ministers from the Welsh Government have stated that changes in how our Pembrokeshire County Council safeguards children are not happening fast enough. As a result of this dissatisfaction, Huw Lewis, the Assembly Education Minister, along with Local Government Minister, Lesley Griffiths, have decided to set up a Recovery Board to oversee these required improvements in Pembrokeshire’s Education Services.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Jamie Adams, is quoted as saying he welcomes the board, having already had productive meetings with them.

Reading from a local newspaper’s message board, and in response to this developing story, it was clear from the comments attached to the story, that parents are angered and dismayed by the seeming inability of Pembrokeshire County Council to resolve issues and problems directed at them from some two years ago, despite Assembly assistance.

In April of this year, the Pembrokeshire Ministerial Board was wound up after more than a year and a half advising the local authority on changes to its policies and operation for safeguarding children.

In a Welsh Government written statement, Huw Edwards, Minister for Education, commented on an ESTYN report published in December 2012 that had said of Pembrokeshire, ‘The Authority’s education services were found to be unsatisfactory’, and it further went on to say that they had, ‘judged Pembrokeshire’s prospects for improvement as unsatisfactory’. As well as that, it stated that, ‘corporate leaders and senior elected members have been too slow to recognise key issues in safeguarding’. Of Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr Lewis continued by adding that, ‘arrangements lack rigour and do not identify, accurately, areas in need of further improvement and the Authority has made limited progress in addressing recommendations from previous inspections’.

In support of those who provide the day to day education in our County, Angela Davies, Shadow Minister for Education and local AM, said that,

“Education services in Pembrokeshire have gone through a torrid time over the past few years but parents and pupils must hold fast to the fact that the majority of the teaching profession are totally committed to providing an excellent education for Pembrokeshire children”.

She was, however, quite clear as to where the blame should lie for the failings of the County Council education services and said,

“The ongoing problems stemmed from inadequate management practices within education services and a poor attitude to the proper safeguarding of children. Like all parents I know that I expect my children to be treated well and kept safe at school. Their well being and safety is of equal importance as the education they receive, and it was with a great sense of shock that we learnt of the adverse, and, at times, damning reports from Estyn and CSSIW which were the reasons for the initial Pembrokeshire Ministerial Board and for education services to be put into special measures.

The key issues appear to be inadequate oversight of key services, a lack of action when things went wrong, inadequate management, weak representation and an overly strong officer culture resistant to change. Since then a number of agencies have examined aspects of education and safeguarding in Pembrokeshire and there appears to be a sense that improvements are ongoing but are happening too slowly.

The fact that the Welsh Government have felt able to replace the Ministerial Board with a Recovery Board is good news and I am sure that Pembrokeshire’s appointment of a new Head of Education Services will usher in a more dynamic and constructive era.”

She also went on to make further comment on the Assembly’s role in education for Wales,

“I am concerned that there are so many local authority education services in special measures throughout Wales and I have called on the Welsh Government to explain why this is so.

It is also concerning to note that the General Teaching Council for Wales is not being inundated with lots of disciplinary cases arising from all these special measures and I would have thought that if education is so very bad in Wales, given the six Authorities in special measures, then the GTC would be flat out.

I am aware that the Government has an agenda for change and there are recommendations that there should be fewer local education authorities, ultimately, perhaps, leading to fewer county councils. However, I do not want to see education services, teachers and, above all, our children’s present and future being used to crowbar change. So I challenge the Government to ensure their actions are crystal clear and their motives pure.”

It is to be hoped that for the sake of our County’s children and for the peace of mind of parents and guardians alike that this Recovery Board is able, finally, to steer our County Council’s education services in the right direction, and resolve the safeguarding issues that remain of grave concern to all those who work in those areas where children are involved. As one local teacher put it, “No one wants to see a repeat of what happened at the Pupil Referral Unit in Neyland or read again about twenty-five cases of alleged professional abuse, as happened between 2007 and 2011”.

Education

Emerging career opportunities for Gen-Z in Wales’ evolving job market

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Certain regions like Wales hold strong promises for sustainable careers. This is because as technology evolves, so too does the job market. Today, Gen Zs looking for stable and rewarding careers can find opportunities in different emerging fields.

Emerging job opportunities in healthcare 

Healthcare is one area that still presents lots of opportunities for Gen Z, despite a rapidly changing job climate and ever-evolving AI technologies. From traditional roles like nurses to more modern, tech-driven positions, the list is endless. Here are some of the more popular opportunities.

Pharmacist

The roles of pharmacists in any nation, city, or neighbourhood are still relevant today. These individuals are needed everywhere because they work hand in hand with healthcare professionals like doctors to help patients. Wales offers many opportunities for Gen Z individuals, as they could work in both independent and community pharmacies, hospitals, or even academic research institutions.

Nurse

The roles of nurses range from providing medical support to caring for patients. Nursing roles in Wales are abundant, as private healthcare providers, public hospitals, and educational institutions are ready to accept nurses. Typically, academic training and certification are necessary to become a full-fledged nurse in Wales.

Nurses in Wales earn between £30,000 and £50,000 per year, with most opting for hourly rate pay.

Biotech and pharmaceutical research

Imagine being the mastermind behind the world’s next revolutionary medicine. Such is the potential of young scholars and researchers in biotech and pharmaceutical research in Wales.

Wales has a growing biotech industry, with several internationally recognised research facilities. Even the academia for this industry is world class. So, it’s easy to see how Gen Zs can easily pursue and obtain a successful career in this field. 

Therapist

Gen Zs can also explore careers in therapy, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychological therapy. These roles offer meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on people’s lives and demand a human touch that can’t be easily replaced by AI. 

However, the steep learning curve and medical certification involved drive most Gen Zs to other less demanding career paths.

Emerging job opportunities in data and technology 

Wales offers many opportunities in this field thanks to the never-ending innovations in data and technology.

Data analyst

Data analysts are among the major, high-demand remote careers in Wales. This community of multiple industries and businesses presents a huge need for these experts. Usually, all a person needs to enter this career path is mastery of data analysis tools like SQL, Excel, Python, and Power Bl.  

However, a degree in related fields like mathematics, statistics, and ICT technology can also be a plus, especially when seeking opportunities in top-tier private organisations like BAIN&COMPANY.

Gaming

The gaming industry has evolved from mere entertainment to a massive income generator. The BBC reports that there are about 100 gaming companies in Wales, and more than 35,000 people are employed in creative industries. 

Generally, opportunities like gaming content creation have proven very lucrative for Gen Zs, thanks to platforms like Twitch and YouTube, which allow gamers to monetise their gameplay.

However, in Wales, more profitable opportunities exist, like Esports and game development. Numerous startups in Wales work on developing next-generation video games, providing surplus job roles from game testers to programmers, artists, designers, and so on. And then there’s ESports or competitive gaming, where Welsh pro gamers can participate and win massive cash prizes.

Software developer 

A software developer designs and maintains software apps. According to sources, software developers make around £38,611 per year in Wales.

In Wales, there are multiple tech companies and startups ready to employ these developers. There are also opportunities in sectors like public health and e-government. Furthermore, software developers in Wales can work remotely for companies at home and abroad or sell their services as freelancers. 

Emerging job opportunities in blockchain and defi

Here are some of the emerging job opportunities that Gen Zs in Wales are seizing daily. 

Crypto Trader

A modern-day tech skill that Gen Zs have successfully developed a career in is crypto trading. Crypto assets are new but exciting and have made many young people millionaires in this decade.

Investors do not need a certificate or degree before venturing into this financial market but will need to take courses to maximise their profits fully. 

Influencer/brand ambassador

A fairly quick and easy career for Gen Zs to enter into is social media influencing and brand ambassadorship. Thanks to social media and the internet, Gen Zs with a strong social media presence in Wales can partner with both local and foreign brands for deals and partnerships. These deals are easy to find in the blockchain world (crypto, NFTs, etc.), as startups need such young influencers to bring visibility to their brands/products. 

Although this career path isn’t traditional, it can be very lucrative. According to reports, influencers earn over  £50,000 per year on average. Meanwhile, mega influencers can easily rake in millions per year from brand deals and sponsorships. 

A bright future for Gen Z in Wales

There’s a strong job market in Wales for Gen Zs of all ages. Young professionals can build future-proof careers in any of the mentioned paths in this article. More importantly, opportunities exist for individuals seeking remote and hybrid roles. 

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Education

Pembrokeshire College learners inspired by St Fagans museum visit

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LEARNERS from the UAL Level 3 & 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course at Pembrokeshire College recently embarked on an enriching cultural study visit to St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for learners to gather source material, which they later developed into creative works through screen printing workshops back at the College.

The outdoor museum features a remarkable collection of relocated and reconstructed historical buildings from across Wales, spanning a variety of time periods. The immersive experience allowed learners to engage with diverse architectural styles, objects, and environments, deepening their understanding of Welsh cultural heritage.

Inside the museum, learners explored artefacts showcasing traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, pottery, wood carving, blacksmithing, and furniture-making, all of which highlight the richness of Welsh cultural identity both past and present.

The visit coincided with temporary exhibitions. ‘The Wool Coat’ project, for instance, explored sustainability and cultural heritage through the repurposing of Welsh blankets into contemporary garments. This project also involved the independent Cardiff-based printmaking studio ‘Printhaus,’ which designed screen printed lining fabrics. Learners were particularly engaged by the project’s social impact, as it also provided sewing skills to immigrants in Cardiff to help with workplace integration. Issues of sustainability, re-use, culture, traditional skills and immigration were addressed through this multi-faceted project.

Another art installation explored colonialism featuring furniture once owned by ‘Clive of India,’ the installation highlighted the powerful role of visual artists in raising awareness of injustice and driving cultural change. Adding to the dynamic experience, learners witnessed the film industry in action as a production team adapted historic buildings and filmed scenes for ‘Young Sherlock,’ offering a fascinating glimpse into how historical settings can be reimagined for contemporary storytelling.

Back in the College print workshop, learners translated their observations into a collaborative screen-printed banner. They explored both hand-stencil and photographic exposure techniques to create a bold visual response to their visit. The final design reflected elements of the day’s experience, incorporating imagery gathered through drawing and photography.

A highlight of the visit was the warm praise from members of the public, who sought out staff to commend the learners on their conduct, their consideration for others and their interest in and engagement with the Museum and staff members.

We are incredibly proud of our learners and their ability to translate this inspiring experience into innovative artistic outcomes in such a short period of time. Their visit to St Fagans has not only expanded their creative practice but also deepened their appreciation for Welsh cultural heritage and the role of art in shaping contemporary discourse.

This impressive banner is now proudly on display in the College’s atrium.

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Education

Redhill Knights secure place in national chess finals

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THE REDHILL KNIGHTS CHESS TEAM from Redhill Preparatory School has secured a spot in the British Primary Teams’ Chess Championship finals after a strong performance at the qualifier in Bristol.

Facing 32 top teams from across the UK, the Redhill Knights A team emerged victorious in a fiercely contested tournament at Bristol Grammar School, earning their place in the national finals at Nottingham University on June 24, 2025.

This achievement adds to their growing success, having won silver medals at the Welsh Primary Schools Chess Championship for two consecutive years.

Headteacher Adrian Thomas said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our children. Chess at Redhill has gone from strength to strength, and we are delighted to see our pupils representing not just the school, but Wales, on such a prestigious stage.”

The Redhill Knights remain the only Welsh primary school team to qualify for the national finals.

The school’s B team also put in an impressive performance, finishing 6th despite being initially ranked 20th. Their remarkable progress highlights the depth of talent within Redhill’s chess programme, nurtured by FIDE Master Alexis Harakis, whose expert coaching has been key to their success.

Redhill Preparatory School expressed gratitude to Coach Harakis and the dedicated parents who continue to support the young chess players.

For those inspired by the Knights’ success, Redhill Preparatory School hosts a chess tournament for primary-aged children three times a year.

The next tournament takes place on Saturday, April 5.

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