Estyn’s inspection of Monmouthshire County Council highlights the good progress the council has made since its previous inspection in November 2012. It recognises the clear vision and a strong focus on ensuring ‘the best possible start in life’ for children and young people. High expectations and a commitment to strong partnership working are emphasised. The development of exemplary safeguarding procedures is praised in the report.
Estyn acknowledges that outcomes for pupils in the authority are good. Standards of wellbeing are strong overall and attendance is also good. Young people benefit from opportunities to contribute to decisions about issues that affect them and the local authority takes good account of their views. There is good provision to support the needs of young people in the authority. At a time when the issues facing young people are particularly acute the Youth Service (a part of the council’s MonLife service) provides a range of worthwhile activities, and beneficial support for vulnerable young people. There is also a strong commitment to improve further Monmouthshire’s provision and outcomes for pupils with special educational needs (SEN).
Council Leader, Peter Fox said: “I would like to thank Estyn, all the teams involved and our partners such as the Educational Achievement Service (EAS) for their role in this process. This report shows the tremendous efforts made by everyone involved in educating and safeguarding children and young people in Monmouthshire. Everyone should be proud of Monmouthshire County Council’s on-going improvement journey. Over the coming months the SEN strategy will be updated and more detailed information will be gathered through self-evaluation to better inform improvement planning and direct our next steps. I am really optimistic about the future of learning in our schools”.
Councillor Richard John, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People added: “I am so pleased to see the progress made in Monmouthshire’s schools has been recognised by Estyn. We are already further developing our plans to improve outcomes for pupils eligible for free school meals, which has been a key focus for us in the recent past. We acknowledge that we need to maintain the highest expectations on our learners achieving excellent outcomes.
“In my Cabinet role it’s good to see participation rates in extra-curricular activities such as sport being identified as a strength – these services delivered by MonLife help develop aspirations, self-esteem and social skills. I’d like to thank our teachers and other school-based staff and council officers for their excellent work
to help young people achieve.”
Will McLean, Chief Officer for Children and Young People said: “I am so pleased that the invaluable work of our schools and educational system is recognised in this report. From our dedicated teachers and support staff through to our challenge advisors and local authority staff there has been a sharp focus on delivering the very best outcomes for our children and young people. Everyone in this key partnership has worked so hard and continues to do so in these extraordinary times.
“The Estyn inspection process provided valuable evidence and validation of our work and I am grateful for the professional manner in which the inspection team undertook their work. We know that there are areas we need to develop and focus our attention on. We will redouble our efforts to provide ‘the best possible start in life’ during these challenging times and beyond.”