Simon Thomas AM
Plaid Shadow Education Minister Simon Thomas has said it is time the Welsh Government introduced spot checks for schools without giving notice.
His comments come ahead of a statement by the Welsh Government on a National Model of Professional Learning in the Senedd.
Mid and West AM Simon Thomas, Shadow Education and Skills Minister for Plaid Cymru said:
“Estyn, the education watchdog inspects schools every six years, and it is time for us to consider spot inspections. We need to consider giving Estyn the ability to go into schools to see the real situation in the classroom, without giving months’ notice. I hope that that is a suggestion that the Welsh Government can take forward.
“This statement has been a long time coming. Despite all the initiatives for educational reform put forward by the current Welsh Government, teaching standards in schools are still variable. The Welsh Government both micro-manages teachers and blames them for failings in the education system.”
“A Plaid Cymru Welsh Government after 2016 would invest in training for both the existing and future education workforce on literacy, numeracy, breaking the link between poverty and poor attainment and improving attendance and behaviour. Excellent teaching is the most important factor in ensuring children in Wales receives a world class education.”
