Education

Plaid Cymru aiming higher for education

Published

9 years ago

March 1, 2016

University: ‘Not the be all and end all’

“WHAT the Welsh Government needs to do,” said Simon Thomas, “is stop complaining about what those nasty Conservatives are doing and start setting out proposals of its own on Welsh education.”

The Plaid Education spokesperson and candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire was very clear on that point when he spoke with The Herald.

“Labour always seems to want to set up a Labour/Conservative fight. I would prefer to concentrate on formulating a Welsh policy, saying this is what we want to do; then, if the UK Treasury doesn’t play fair, we can point out what opportunities have been lost because of it. By just complaining, the current Welsh Government is simply not offering an alternative, positive vision.”

And being positive was very important to Simon Thomas.

“We have just launched our policy from Cradle to Career. That sets out a plan from 3-16 and in the post-16 framework gives a clearer balance between tuition fee policy and apprenticeships.”

Of that policy, Leanne Wood, Plaid’s leader has said: “We are investing in the very early years but also making sure people have a range of choices when they get to fourteen, fifteen and sixteen so that the academic route is not the only option but that there are serious vocational options as well.”

That point is clearly close to Simon Thomas’s own heart: “Last month we announced our plans to create 50,000 additional apprenticeships in Wales. Those would be new apprenticeships. Today, Labour has announced 100,000 apprenticeships in total. There are already 44,000 Welsh apprenticeships, so the level of apprenticeships being offered is in the same direction as our policy. We have made a commitment to show what we would do with the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Levy.

“It was a budget deal we made with Labour which stopped the fall in the numbers of Welsh apprenticeships. So I am, and Plaid is, committed to providing more apprenticeships and – importantly – more higher apprenticeships at Level 4 and beyond. By investing in higher skills there is a huge potential for Wales.”

And as for the narrower party point, Simon Thomas did not mince his words: “A clearer framework is vital. There are a lot of missing pieces in Labour’s plans and they have made no announcement on tuition fees at all.”

He continued: “The Welsh Government has kicked the question of tuition fees into the long grass. That is dishonest. After the election there will be a new Education Minister, Huw Lewis is retiring, and it will be up to them to make a decision the Welsh Government knows has to be made on tuition fees for higher education.”

The Welsh Government commissioned a report into higher education funding in Wales and we asked Simon Thomas about what it reported: “The report (by Professor Sir Ian Diamond) could not be clearer. All of those bodies which responded to it agreed that the current tuition fee policy is completely unsustainable.

“The evidence is overwhelming and unanswerable, but the Welsh Government has decided to wait until October and then probably feign surprise when it is told things have to change. As I say, the Welsh Government’s position on tuition fees is dishonest.

“It was Labour that introduced tuition fees. I fought it every step of the way in Parliament to stop it applying to Wales.

But what of Plaid’s policy?

“We’ve kept some flexibility in our plans, because we don’t know what will be the recommendation about the maintenance element of student support. But we have made it clear that continuing to send £100m of the Welsh block grant to English universities is a non-starter. You could argue that it would be tolerable in times of plenty, but these are times of austerity.

“We need to remember that of the tuition fee loan, the student sees not one penny. The students are funding the universities who are charging the maximum possible. 45% of students do not even reach the level of income where they need to repay the loans made to them.”

We asked where that left Plaid’s policy on tuition fee abatement, the ‘Learning Bonds’ it announced recently: “For a Welsh student studying in England, if they return to Wales within five years of graduation we will offset their tuition fee loan repayments for each full year. We want everyone to be able to study any subject and in any university they want to. But the current tuition fee policy means we give more money to universities outside of Wales than we do inside of Wales. This is unsustainable and Plaid Cymru believes that this is wrong. Our plans will enable students from Wales to study anywhere they want, and will ensure that the Welsh economy can benefit from the talent of Welsh students.

“Under Plaid Cymru’s plans, students from Wales who study a three-year degree will have £18,000 of their loans written off.”

Simon continued: “Our plan acknowledges wages in Wales are generally lower; it means that if you are, for example in London in a wellpaid job, a positive incentive exists for you to take your skills back to Wales.”

He smiled: “Significantly, I think, there’s been no attack on our policy from Labour: I think they are probably looking at something similar.”

Regarding postgraduate funding, Simon Thomas returned to his core grievance about the existing Welsh Government’s approach: “This is an example of where Labour is simply complaining instead of putting forward a positive alternative itself. The Welsh Government should be saying this is what we are going to do and challenging Osborne to allow Welsh students access to the loans system English students will have.

“It’s the usual thing: the Treasury has not considered the Welsh aspect: it is not devolution-aware when it comes to this sort of policy. But the lack of challenge from the Welsh Government, the lack of an alternative policy: that is letting Wales down.”

He continued: “We want to see similar scheme as in England, where from September people studying for postgraduate degrees will have access to loan funding for their studies. What this means is that English students will have tuition fee support for studying in Wales, whereas Welsh students are not eligible for any support to study anywhere.

“Our tuition fee policy will release money back to Hefcw to support part time study, Coleg Cymraeg and postgraduate study for Welsh students. The problem now is that, if we are in government after May it will already be too late to do something this year. There’s simply no headroom in the budget.”

On the deep cuts to the further education sector, Simon Thomas was cautious: “I don’t want to make a firm commitment before seeing the books, I have talked already about £100m being released back through changing the tuition fee policy. £70m of that was taken from HEFCW’s budget, the rest was robbed out of the Further Education budget. So, our higher education policy will release significant money back to FE and enable us to strike a fairer balance.

“A University education is not the be all and end all of education. We have to realise that. Young people need to have more and better choices: at the moment they are all being pointed in one direction – towards Higher Education. We are committed to looking from starting from the position that there is more than one option and that it is possible for young people to develop graduate level skills through further education and higher skills apprenticeships. The benefit for those young people is that they will not have student debt and will have the sort of higher skills that will be an advantage to them and an advantage for Wales.”

Simon reflected: “The problem is around tuition fees. If you want to pack the maximum number of people in for 9K a year, then the cheapest way is humanities but not at a high level. Not with the rigour associated with it. We’re in danger, and unis have said this, of a race to the bottom to feed the machine because everyone comes with 9K a year on their head.

“We have to change that. We have to provide a better infrastructure for young people, not simply churn them through a factory to produce graduates without the skills the economy needs.”

On Welsh Medium Education, Simon Thomas acknowledged: “There is a weakness in College education in Welsh. In sixth forms, there is some provision but that is centred about academic subjects, not things like Gofal Plant and other vocational skills.”

What about locally: “What Pembrokeshire County Council is clearly seeking to do is to scrap sixth forms through a partnership with Pembrokeshire College and then place the onus for post-16 Welsh Medium Education on Ysgol Preseli. I do not see how that can deliver vocational post-16 training in Welsh. There is an extent to which I share the view of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, that post-16 there is an issue about continuing Welsh Medium education post-16.”

He continued: “The important thing about the legislation about reorganisation is that decisions are made locally and not nationally. Local decision-making must come first. I can see people fighting for their schools’ sixth forms, but education has changed enormously. In rural areas, it is sometimes not going to be possible to retain sixth forms that can provide the range of courses needed.”

A wintry smile: “That said, when we’re out and about knocking on doors, Pembrokeshire County Council comes up and has a poor reputation on the doorstep.”

We concluded by asking Simon Thomas about a recent remark made by Carmarthenshire Councillor Meryl Gravell. Ms Gravell opined at a recent Executive Board meeting that the standard of teachers coming out of Wales’s training centres was substandard.

“Let’s put it this way, I don’t think she worded it correctly, or described the problem correctly. The issue is one of the training we give our teachers. It’s not the quality of the individuals, we are not delivering them with the skills they need. There has been a number of failed reorganisations. The problem has been that changes have aimed to provide a little bit for everyone.”

Simon Thomas was generous to Huw Lewis, the outgoing Education Minister: “I believe he is sincere in wanting to put things right with the way teacher training is delivered. We have to focus on preparing teachers for their careers and retaining them. Huw Lewis seems genuinely committed to raising the bar on teacher training.”

And Plaid’s policy: “As part of our Cradle to Career policy, we want teachers in Wales to get to the level of Masters in Education; providing CPD for two years and then a premium for teachers to reach higher standard.

“Teaching is the most important factor in raising schools standards and raising pupils’ attainment. That’s why Plaid Cymru wants to invest in our teachers, helping them remain on the cutting edge of best practice in order to drive up standards and raise attainment levels.

“We will offer teachers and teaching assistants a premium of up to 10% on their pay in return for developing additional skills. Plaid Cymru will reward upskilling and best practice, and will work with the sector to develop a system of accreditation, aiming for 25% of teachers to gain this premium.”

Simon Thomas concluded: “Education is the bedrock of a strong economy, and our plans are aimed at raising children’s attainment and delivering tangible economic benefits.”

Education

Pembrokeshire school to achieves prestigious UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting Award

Published

1 week ago

September 25, 2024

Ryan Millward

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has made history by becoming the first secondary school in Pembrokeshire, and only the seventh in Wales, to receive the prestigious UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School Award.

This accolade, the highest given by UNICEF in the UK, recognises the school’s exceptional commitment to embedding children’s rights into every aspect of school life, including its ethos, policies, and practices. The Gold Award is reserved for schools that have demonstrated a robust environment where children feel safe, respected, and have a strong sense of belonging.

Milford Haven School has stood out for its dedication to fostering a culture of mutual respect, inclusion, and active pupil participation. Headteacher Ms Morris expressed her pride at the school’s achievement, calling it a “momentous occasion” for both the school and the wider community.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, pupils, and the community,” said Ms Morris. “It reflects our commitment to creating a learning environment where every pupil feels valued, heard, and empowered. We believe in fostering a culture of respect and responsibility, and this recognition validates our efforts to ensure that children’s rights are central to everything we do.”

The Rights Respecting Schools Award recognises schools that have fully integrated the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into their day-to-day operations. The assessment process evaluates how well schools promote respect for rights, equality, and the active participation of pupils in shaping their educational experience.

Representatives from UNICEF commended Milford Haven School for its efforts, highlighting pupil-led initiatives, collaborative projects, and a sustained commitment to promoting global citizenship and human rights education. The school’s dedication to this cause earned it the coveted Gold status.

Miss Reynolds, Assistant Headteacher and the lead on the Rights Respecting Schools work, praised both pupils and staff for their hard work and dedication.

“This award reflects the whole school community’s commitment to promoting children’s rights and creating a respectful, inclusive environment,” she said. “The recognition underlines our ongoing focus on pupil wellbeing and development as part of the school’s core ethos. We look forward to continuing this fantastic work in the coming months.”

The role of Milford Haven School’s pupils has been crucial in driving the Rights Respecting agenda forward. Pupil voice groups have worked tirelessly to ensure that every student understands their rights and the importance of respect and equality. These groups have led campaigns, organised events, and contributed to decision-making processes within the school, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

One pupil, speaking on the importance of being part of a Rights Respecting School, said: “Being a part of a Rights Respecting School means that we have the opportunity to speak our minds, and we know that our voices will be heard and our ideas listened to. That gives us the confidence to bring about change and make a difference.”

Milford Haven School’s achievement in becoming a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School not only highlights the school’s dedication to its pupils but also sets a benchmark for other schools in Pembrokeshire and Wales to aspire to.

Education

West Wales teacher hailed for helping children ‘be themselves and create memories’

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE executive head of education at a state-of-the-art specialist school has been recognised for helping children “be themselves” while “creating lasting memories.”

Emma Thomas is at the helm at Orbis Education and Care’s Dan-y-Coed in Swansea, which caters for youngsters with autism and learning disabilities.

The 41-year-old runs a team of creative education, care and therapeutic professionals who help children to feel safe and respected, whilst providing bright and colourful child-friendly environments in which to learn, live and make friends.

It is her dedication over the last seven years that has earned her a place in the final of the major national competition – the 2024 Wales Care Awards, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare.

Emma’s aim is to help children simply be themselves, creating lasting memories of childhood as they develop into independent young people and adults.

The mum-of-two from Penclawdd is shortlisted for the Peter Clarke Award for Promoting Excellence in Services for Children and Young People, sponsored by Morgan LaRoche Solicitors.

The glittering presentation ceremony will be held on Friday, October 18 at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and will be hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

The awards are in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice with which to speak on one of the most important issues of our time – how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.

It was Director of Education, Lucy Pottinger who nominated Emma for the accolade.

She said: “Emma has been working at Dan-y-Coed since it opened in 2017 and this year she has experienced the joy of seeing her very first pupil transition to a mainstream school full-time, which is an incredible achievement and demonstrates her strength and determination to help her pupils.

“Emma and her team devised a support plan to help him pursue his wish to go to mainstream school. Emma developed a strong team of learning support staff, teachers and clinical therapists, including a behaviour specialist, to help him gradually break down behavioural barriers and build trust with staff.

“She helped him understand that they would stick by him through tough times. Small classes with a bespoke curriculum unique to him proved invaluable and were the key to his success.”

Lucy added: “It is very rare for pupils to go from an independent specialist school to a mainstream placement and Emma should be proud of the progress her very first pupil has made.

“The fact she oversaw a team that has helped the young man fulfil his dream of going to a mainstream school deserves recognition.”

Emma said: “Being shortlisted for this award is a privilege. There are so many people across Wales who do outstanding work in our field, and I hope that I can represent them proudly.

“We all have our own ‘why’ as to reasons we undertake the work that we do, and to be nominated, let alone be a finalist is extremely rewarding. Knowing that I have helped others in a way that has positively influenced their lives, and the lives of others close to them, is a feeling that you can never forget.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the aim of the Wales Care Awards is to recognise the unstinting and remarkable dedication of unsung heroes and heroines across Wales like Emma.

He said: “The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”

Education

Teachers could face oath against inappropriate relationships with pupils

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

TEACHERS in Flintshire could soon be asked to swear an oath pledging not to form inappropriate relationships with pupils, under a controversial motion set to be considered by the local council.

The proposal, due to be debated by Flintshire County Council in Mold on Tuesday, would require teachers and school staff to make a formal declaration in front of a manager, affirming they will not engage in intimate relationships with students. This comes in the wake of the high-profile case of former headteacher Neil Foden, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison in July after being found guilty of sexually abusing four girls during his tenure in Gwynedd.

The motion, submitted by Councillor Gladys Healey, a member of the Labour Party representing Hope, aims to introduce stronger safeguards to protect children from the risk of abuse by teachers. Healey argues that despite existing safeguarding measures, such as the code of professional conduct established by the Education Workforce Council, incidents of abuse and inappropriate relationships involving educators persist.

“The council acknowledges that even with safeguarding training and a strict professional code, there are still cases where teachers abuse their position,” Councillor Healey stated. “The council deplores such actions, which rob children of their innocence and bring the profession into disrepute.”

If passed, the measure would see all current and future education staff in Flintshire required to take the oath, reinforcing their commitment to the safeguarding of students.

However, the proposal has sparked outrage from teaching unions, who argue that it is unnecessary and an insult to the profession. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) expressed its strong opposition, with Neil Butler, the union’s national official for Wales, describing the motion as damaging to the reputation of teachers.

“This motion serves only to bring the teaching profession into disrepute,” Butler said. “Teachers in Wales are already bound by the Education Workforce’s code of practice, which clearly outlines their duty of care for the safety and wellbeing of learners. Those who breach this code face serious disciplinary consequences, including dismissal. Introducing an additional oath shows a shocking contempt for the profession.”

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has taken a more measured stance, expressing a willingness to engage in discussions about the proposal. Claire Armitstead, ASCL Cymru’s director, stated: “We share the horror felt at the case that has prompted this motion. We are open to considering any proposal aimed at improving safeguarding measures for young people, and we welcome further discussions with Councillor Healey on this matter.”

A child practice review is currently underway, led by the North Wales Safeguarding Board, following Foden’s conviction. Cyngor Gwynedd, the local authority where the offences took place, has pledged full cooperation with the review, which is seen as a crucial step in strengthening protections for vulnerable children in North Wales.

Responding as Flintshire County Council debates a motion calling for teachers and school staff to be asked to pledge in front of a manager not to form intimate relationships with students, Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, said:

“Everyone in the teaching profession was appalled by the abhorrent abuse perpetrated in Gwynedd, and our thoughts are with the victims.

“There are already strict safeguarding procedures in place to protect children and ensuring they are adhered to by all is the most appropriate and effective way to deal with any concerns, not to mention perpetrators facing criminal prosecution. We need meaningful action that strengthens safeguarding, not symbolic gestures that do not keep children safe.

“I am deeply disturbed to hear that a proposal to consider asking teachers to take an oath is being considered, let alone discussed. This sends the wrong message to the public and not only does it bring the whole profession into disrepute, it is an insult to the thousands of dedicated teachers and leaders who go above and beyond for their learners, their schools and the communities they serve.

“To enforce something like this insinuates all teachers and leaders cannot be trusted, and our learners are not safe in their care. That is simply not true and grossly unfair to the profession.

“Asking them to swear an oath promising not to abuse children will achieve nothing and risks undermining the trust between teachers, school leaders, and families.”