Written statement (Wales): Developing an evidence base for the future of teaching in Wales - Mar 28

Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education: I am dedicated to investing in our education workforce to ensure learners are taught by highly skilled, confident and empowered practitioners, who feel supported and valued within their communities.

This was reflected in my recent statements in January and March, highlighting the commitment to develop a new strategic education workforce plan and the continuation of additional INSET provision. 

To begin to inform this approach, we collaborated with the Organisation for Economic 
Co-operation and Development (OECD) to explore potential scenarios for the future of teaching in Wales. Creating a thriving teaching profession is an area of high priority for countries in the OECD. Today, I welcome the publication of the OECD's report ‘Constructing scenarios for the future of teaching in Wales.' 

Our involvement in this global research study has provided invaluable opportunities to engage with professionals across the education sector, within Wales and internationally. This invaluable input will shape our vision for the future of the teaching profession in Wales. The emerging themes from this report will contribute to our evidence base to begin to lay the foundations for the new workforce plan. 

From the 24^th to 26^th March, I had the privilege of attending the 25^thInternational Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) in Iceland hosted by the OECD, the Government of Iceland, the Icelandic Teachers' Union and Education International. 

The Summit brought together education ministers, union leaders and education leaders from high-performing and rapidly improving education systems to share best practice. During this event, I engaged in open conversations on the most effective ways to enhance the teaching profession to unlock the potential of all learners. 

Invaluable insights from the Summit, along with today's OECD report, will guide next steps to shape our long-term workforce plan, to ensure our professionals are equipped to meet the evolving needs of learners and create a dynamic and responsive education system for Wales.