Denbighshire’s Cabinet has agreed for the council to consult on its draft Welsh Education Scheme, subject to approval by the Welsh Language Board.
The document looks at the current provision, raising awareness of Welsh education and information for parents, assessing the demand for Welsh medium education, expanding provision, providing an education for latecomers, transport, monitoring arrangements and how to deal with complaints.
15, 348 pupils are educated in Denbighshire (7,612 in the primary sector and 7,746 in the secondary sector). 23.1% of the county’s primary pupils and 18% of its secondary pupils receive their education through the medium of Welsh/bilingually. 5.5% of the county’s pupils statemented with Special Educational Needs receive their education bilingually or through the medium of Welsh.
Hywyn Williams, Corporate Director -Lifelong Learning, said: “The Council recognises how important bilingualism is in 21st Century Wales. We want all children and young people to leave full time education being competent and confident using both Welsh and English languages. There is an expectation that schools will increase and strengthen the bilingual nature of their school over time and will work towards moving up through the categories so that more pupils have the opportunity to be fully bilingual”.
The Council will now be submitting its Welsh Education Scheme to the Welsh Language Board for approval at the end of April and if the scheme is approved by the Board, the Council is expected to launch its formal consultation at the end of May.
