Agenda

Question:

I am heartened to see that the Council’s Chief Executive Officer and Education Staff have taken swift action in response to the recent ESTYN report by establishing an Accelerated Improvement Board. This decisive move demonstrates a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes across Powys, which is essential for the future of our young learners.

Could the Council provide detailed information on the composition of the Accelerated Improvement Board please? Specifically, I would like to know who has been appointed to this board and the particular skills and experiences they bring which may not have been in place before? It is important to understand how these attributes address the deficiencies highlighted in the ESTYN report, especially those that were previously unaddressed.

Furthermore, in light of the historical context where a past adverse ESTYN evaluation prompted an immediate change in the Cabinet member overseeing education, which subsequently led to swift and tangible improvements, could the Council elaborate on why a similar approach has not been adopted this time around? This query aims to understand the strategic decisions behind maintaining leadership continuity despite the pressing call for significant educational reforms, together with the recognition that ESTYN is critical of the Council’s current political leadership.

This additional transparency will not only bolster public confidence in our educational strategies but also ensure that we are aligning with best practices for rapid and effective improvement.