The Welsh Government will provide an additional £29 million to
schools to boost support for learners at crucial stages in
their education from September.
The equivalent of 600 extra teachers and 300 teaching
assistants will be recruited throughout the next school year,
targeting extra support at Years 11, 12 and 13, as well as
disadvantaged and vulnerable learners of all ages.
This will support learners taking their A level and GCSEs in
2021 and those known to have been affected most while many
schools have been closed since March.
Professional learning resources will be provided to support the
new and existing teachers, in preparation for September. Staff
will be recruited on a one-year fixed term contract and are
expected to move into educational roles in the following school
year.
The support package, provided at a school level, could include
extra coaching support, personalised learning programmes and
additional time and resources for exam year pupils. A range of
teaching approaches will be relevant, including blended
learning.
Since most schools closed to pupils in March, the Welsh
Government has targeted support to ensure continuity of
learning, including providing 10,000 digital learning devices,
ensuring eligible children continue to receive free school
meals and increasing mental and emotional health and wellbeing
support.
The Education Minister, , will host the Welsh
Government’s daily press conference at 12:30 today, where she
will announce plans for schools in September.
said:
“Our education family in Wales has met the challenge of the
pandemic together, ensuring that our young people are supported
with their well-being and learning.
“I now want to ensure schools and pupils have the support they
need by recruiting extra staff, to support the recovery phase
and continue to raise standards as part of our national mission
of education reform.
“We must never lower our expectations for any of our young
people, no matter their background. That is why thousands and
thousands more learners in Wales now enter and gain a science
GCSE, it is why we now outperform other nations for A Level
results, and it is why thousands more are studying and
succeeding at higher levels.
“I know that teachers and parents across the country share my
determination not to lose that momentum. This extra investment
and targeted support will ensure that the impact of time away
from school over recent months is minimised.
“This is not a short-term fix. I am guaranteeing this money,
extra staff and support for the whole of next year.
“Alongside the new curriculum, we are moving purposefully into
a new era for education. One where each learner benefits from a
broad and balanced education.
“Together, we will continue to raise standards for all, reduce
the attainment gap and ensure we have a system that is a source
of pride and public confidence.”
