Welsh Education Strategic Plan - Wrexham County Borough Council [PDF]

Work closely with neighbouring authorities to make provision for pupils who are new to, or are latecomers to Welsh mediu

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Idea Transcript


Wrexham County Borough Council Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2015-2017

Updated June 2016

Appendix 1: The Action Plan – Tackling national targets at a LA level Section 1: Your vision and aim for Welsh-medium education (no more than 500 words) This plan is aligned to the single integrated plan which is called ‘Our Wrexham Plan 2013-2024’. The vision is summarised in ‘Our Council Plan 20122016’, that ‘all children and young people have positive aspirations, learn and achieve their potential’ and that the ‘Welsh language and culture is promoted and supported’. In Wrexham County Borough we are committed to providing good quality education and equality of access in the national language of choice. We work closely with a range of partners and stakeholders to further raise standards in literacy and numeracy and to tackle the impact of poverty on education achievement. Wrexham will work to: • Promote bilingualism so that the use of Welsh is developed in all Wrexham schools and there are improved opportunities to use the language outside of schools; • To raise standards in literacy, Welsh first language and Welsh second language; • Support settings and schools to improve transition, particularly at key stage 2 to 3 transfer, to minimise any loss of language, reduce the numbers who do not sit any Welsh exam at key stage 4, increase the percentage of pupils achieving good outcomes at key stage 3 and increase the percentage of pupils entering and attaining good grades in GCSE full course. • To work closely with neighbouring authorities and GwE (regional school improvement service) to support schools to raise standards, improve the quality of learning and teaching, and improve leadership of Welsh departments; • Work closely with neighbouring authorities to make provision for pupils who are new to, or are latecomers to Welsh medium education; • Meet the needs of pupils with additional learning needs and to improve the provision for foundation phase pupils in Welsh medium schools; • Continue to train teachers and classroom assistants to deliver the Welsh language. Enhance collaborative work with neighbouring authorities and increase the number of teachers attending Welsh sabbatical courses; • Continue to meet the Learning and Skills Measure at key stage 4 and increase the percentage of learners aged 16-19 who study through the medium of Welsh and; • In order to achieve these aims, work in partnership with the consortium, Coleg Cambria, Ysgol Maes Garmon, Prifysgol Glŷndwr and other organisations including Mudiad Meithrin, Menter Iaith, the Urdd and Rhieni dros Addysg Gymraeg.

2

Section 2: The Action Plan Outcome 1: More seven-year-old children being taught through the medium of Welsh We will be successful if: We maintain 100 % of current cohorts in Welsh medium education 2014-15 – 12.9% or 226, seven year olds are being taught through the medium of Welsh. 2015-16 – 13.7% or 225, seven year olds are being taught through the medium of Welsh. 2016-17 – 13.6% or 224, seven year olds are being taught through the medium of Welsh. You should also complete Appendix 2 B. Current performance (Questions to be answered) Increase the The percentage of year 2 pupils who attend designated Welsh Medium Schools as recorded by Pupil number of Level Annual Schools’ Census (PLASC) is:seven-year-old 2010: 8.5% children taught 2011: 11.0% through the 2012: 11.5% medium of 2013: 11.3% Welsh 2014: 10.6% 2015: 12.5% (Based on September 2015 return) A. Objective 1.1

However, the percentage of Foundation Phase pupils receiving a teacher assessment in Welsh are:2010: 9.4% 2011: 11.6% 2012: 12.0% 2013: 11.7% 2014: 12.0% 2015: 13% (Based on September 2015 return) There is one school which has a naturally Welsh character in Wrexham that PLASC officially records as an English medium school and one school with a Welsh medium stream. There has been an increase in take up of Welsh medium places in Wrexham. Reception admissions to schools providing Welsh medium education over the last six years have been growing:2010: 197 2011: 198 2012: 194

3

C. Targets

D. Progress

Increase the number of sevenyear-old children taught through the medium of Welsh

The percentage of Year 2 pupils who attend Welsh Medium schools has increased from 10.6% in 2014 to 12.5% in 2015.

Target 2016-17 13.6% of seven year olds being taught through the medium of Welsh.

Reception admissions to Welsh Medium schools have also increased from 217 in 2014 to 238 in 2015. The number of Welsh medium primary school places available to pupils in Wrexham has continued to rise. The local authority

2013: 2014: 2015:

215 217 238 (based on Reception Admission Round)

There are 260 (244 in Welsh medium primary schools) places available in schools which deliver education in the medium of Welsh. The number of Welsh medium primary school places available to pupils in Wrexham has continued to rise. However, the level of demand is increasing, particularly in the north of the county. Whilst the Local Authority can offer places within a reasonable distance it is not always able to offer the nearest school. In line with the primary sector as whole, WCBC needs to continue to increase provision to meet demand. Following this significant investment in Welsh-medium education in recent years the Local Authority now needs to ensure that available places are managed effectively. The LA is currently considering the adoption of catchment areas for Welsh medium schools. Wrexham County Borough promotes access to education and training through the medium of the Welsh language when exercising functions under the Learner Traveller Wales Measure. Free transport is provided to the nearest Welsh medium school for qualifying learners. The Welsh medium primary schools in Wrexham are geographically located so that no learner has a long journey to their nearest school. The one available Welsh medium provision for secondary learners is in Wrexham town centre. The assessment of capacity at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd is sufficient to respond to the initial growth in numbers in the primary sector. Assessment of capacity for the longer term will be undertaken with stakeholders. Ysgol Morgan Llwyd has an MCSW capacity of 1142, which includes 175 sixth form places. The MCSW capacity has been higher at 1204. There are currently 739 pupils on roll at the school. The projections are as follows:-

operates a ‘nearest school’ oversubscription criteria as opposed to catchment areas. Neither option can guarantee a place for a pupil as it is possible for a school to become oversubscribed against any chosen criteria. The authority is currently looking at the issues related to the adoption of school catchment areas. Early work has identified that, for the Welsh medium sector, in order to ensure good geographic and demographic coverage, catchment boundaries would need to be drawn at points which would mean that for many the catchment areas in which their homes would be situated would not match their nearest school. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that early

4

Projected NOR at Jan 2017

Projected NOR at Jan 2018

Projected NOR at Jan 2019

Projected NOR at Jan 2020

Projected NOR at Jan 2021

Projected NOR at Jan 2022

Projected NOR at Jan 2023

Projected NOR at Jan 2024

%age variance -4.2%

Projected NOR at Jan 2016

739

Projected NOR at Jan 2015

771

Actual NOR at 14 Jan 2014

Projected NOR for Jan 14 as reported in Jan 13

School Name Ysgol Morgan Llwyd

1

School number 4032

745

800

859

935

1,016

1106

1172

1223

1248

1264

As the table demonstrates there is an emerging issue in terms of secondary Welsh medium places, but not during the lifetime of this WESP. The LA is already beginning the dialogue with stakeholders in terms of what can be done to ensure the best secondary provision for the area in the coming years.

1.2

Adopt systematic processes for measuring the demand for Welsh-medium childcare and Welsh-medium statutory

County

Cylch Name

Transferred to Welsh Education

2014 - 15 % Transferred to Welsh Education

Wrexham

BODHYFRYD

20

100%

Wrexham

BRYNYCABANAU

33

100%

5

Notes

discussions with schools will take place in the Autumn of 2016 and first draft maps have been prepared for this purpose. The outcome of this work will go forward for public consultation only if the identified benefits outweigh the potential difficulties. Provide options to ensure sufficient secondary provision at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd (to be addressed in next full plan).

The provision of additional places at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd has been identified in a revised SOP admitted to Welsh Government. The revised SOP has subsequently been approved. Officers are now working up options with the school prior to a final business case being submitted and tenders sought.

educational provision. Act promptly on the findings of parental surveys.

Wrexham

COEDPOETH (MORNING)

21

100%

Wrexham

COEDPOETH (AFTERNOON)

30

100%

Wrexham

FLYING START BODHYFRYD

25

89%

Wrexham

FLYING START MIN Y DDOL

18

86%

Wrexham

FLYING START PANT

1

33%

Wrexham

GLYN CEIRIOG

15

88%

Wrexham

HILL STREET

15

100%

Wrexham

I D HOOSON

31

100%

Wrexham

MAES Y GORNEL

24

96%

Wrexham

BRO ALUN MEITHRIN MWY (NURSERY AND MORE) (MORNING)

25

100%

Wrexham

MIN Y DDOL

18

100%

Wrexham

PLUS PLAS COCH

32

95%

Wrexham

SUMMERHILL 10

75%

Maintain the positive dialogue with stakeholders.

Mudiad continues to support

Issues in Gwersyllt resulted in some parents not receiving their first choice of Bro Alun though they were offered a Welsh medium place elsewhere.

Mudiad Meithrin is the main provider of Welsh Medium Childcare/ education in the voluntary sector. With in Wrexham CBC, Mudiad Meithrin provides a range of services including Ti a Fi groups, Cylchoedd Meithrin and Cylchoedd Meithrin Mwy providing wrap around care on school sites. Mudiad Meithrin receives local authority funding within the county to provide support for the provision of Cylchoedd Meithrin and Cylchoedd Ti a Fi. Funding is secure until 2015 – the future development of Welsh medium pre-school provision is dependent upon funding being secured beyond 2015. As funding is no longer available due to the severe Council pressures on finance for Mudiad Meithrin to employ a Language Support Officer we have reshaped how language support is provided for setting staff. In most cases this will now come from the school the Cylch is linked with so further aiding effective transition.

6

Maintain current provision.

Changes to one, specific contract previously awarded by Wrexham Council comes to an end in March 2015. Having explored all the options, we are confident that this support can be maintained from our own staff, they already provide educational support and expertise to these settings through the 10% teacher input. As a consequence, the Council have decided not to renew a specific contract as part of reshaping services. There will be no reduction in the number of settings where Welsh-medium pre-school provision is made for 3 year old children. We continue to work closely with Mudiad Meithrin as we progress with our Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. We will look to direct funding to support Mudiad Meithrin to provide support from a language officer for Ti a Fi groups. Wrexham has seen substantial development in the Welsh Medium provision available. There are currently 8 Cylch Meithrin, 12 Ti a Fi, 3 Flying Start and 6 Meithrin Mwy within the County. A facebook page has been developed for the Ti A Fi to promote the services available within the county. o o o o o o

Continued to monitor the numbers attending the Ti a Fi groups and to plan for future demand for places in the Cylchoedd Meithrin. Work in partnership with line managers for Flying Start, health Visitors, early education and to provide training on the benefits of Welsh Medium Education Continue to promote cross county events working in partnership with TWF and Menter Iaith to promote events through the medium of Welsh Mudiad Meithrin work collaboratively with Flintshire and Denbighshire and meet regularly to ensure that best practice is shared Mudiad Meithrin to distribute leaflets in libraries, schools clinics etc all information to be available from Wrexham Family information service. Ensure that a minimum of 10% teacher input for Cylch Meithrin settings is maintained. Continue to support and challenge around quality of provision including Welsh ethos and use of appropriate developmental language patterns.

Cylch Meithrin Summerhill has been accepted to be part of Mudiad Meithrins pilot - Cylchoedd Canolog. The Cylch Meithrin will come under the direct control of Mudiad Meithrin as opposed to a voluntary committee. Only 20 Cylch Meithrin throughout Wales will be a part of this pilot. It is anticipated that the Cylcch meithrin will become a Cylch Canolog by Easter 2016. WCBC is constantly measuring demand for Welsh Medium education. We do not run one off surveys, rather we encourage all parents to respond to our on-line survey. We have been in contact with the NHS to access information relating GP registrations which should provide us with the ability to match demand to postcodes in Wrexham.

7

Enhance provision as outlined.

Parents of new born babies are surveyed when they register their child’s birth. At present a questionnaire is included in the registration pack and a web application is available. We only have one year of data available for this ongoing survey and it is therefore too early to make a meaningful analysis. We need to develop the capacity to respond to increases in demand for Welsh medium education. However, following some high profile promotion on our website initial response rates are encouraging with19% of parents providing us with some feedback. We need to develop the capacity to respond to increases in demand for Welsh medium education through the next phase of capital funding available through the 21st Century Schools programme. Our Parental Survey continues to be accessible online but despite significant promotion the uptake has steadily declined. We will look to increase the uptake. The survey asks parents to make their views known in relation to the questions set out in WESP regulations but also extends to childcare preferences. The LA is able to run a report for Welsh in Education Board whenever called upon. It shows that 21.7% of respondents would wish their child to receive a Welsh medium education. The LA are working on further promotion of an online survey and are also refining data collection so that it can tell us more about the areas where demand will come from. The questionnaire has been redesigned to ensure that it meets all requirements set out in the WESP guidance documents. The survey monkey database was amended immediately to incorporate the additional questions. Several drafts were produced in order to try and keep the booklet A5 in size, eyecatching and short enough in page length to encourage parents to complete it. • Posters were placed in the local bus station and on Wrexham bus routes to advertise • A1 poster placed in window of the Contact Centre • Booklet given to every parent when they register the birth of their child • GP surgeries • Booklet enclosed in Library Bookstart Packs – these packs are given out to every parent of an 8 month old baby via their Health Visitor • FIS newsletter • Wrexham Leader • Connect • Outreach team distributed to each playgroup/toddler group setting • Letter sent to every parent of Y2 pupils to target those who may have a younger sibling under the age of 2 • Waterworld

8

1.3

Ensure that proposals for 21st Century Schools include full consideration of Welshmedium education.

st

We have been able re-align 21 Century Schools funding and this will allow us to address demand in both the primary and secondary sectors. £2.7m is currently available within Band A of the programme. We are using s106 funding to increase capacity at Ysgol Bodhyfryd and Ysgol Min y Ddôl. st

The LA is beginning to draw its plans together for the next band of 21 Century Schools and the issue of Welsh medium education will be prominent in the planning process The 21st Century Schools Strategic Outline Plan which has been submitted to the Welsh Government is based on carrying out reviews of provision in cluster areas of the County Borough. In determining the requirements for an area full consideration will be given to the demand for Welsh medium places.

Effectively manage school places with regard to ensuring sufficient Welsh medium provision in Wrexham (to be addressed in next full plan).

The timescales for the 21st Century Schools programme have slipped. Band B projects will now be addressed by 2019. We will use the assessment for demand from our new born baby survey to ensure a match with the 21 Century Schools programme.

st

At secondary level we recognise that there will be increasing demand for places which will impact on Ysgol Morgan Llwyd. This increase will begin to cause the school to become oversubscribed outside the life of the current plan. However, WCBC is already in dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that we respond appropriately when the time comes.

Whilst acknowledging that the provision of places is closer match to demand than it would prefer, the authority has been able to provide places for those that require Welsh Medium Education. The LA has made use of S106 developer contributions to lift the capacity of a town centre school and work will soon commence on converting temporary places at a second school in Wrexham town centre into a permanent extension. The LA will continue to provide additional places if necessary and will do this is a way which ensures that future permanent expansion of Welsh medium education is not undermined.

1.4

Ensure collaborative working through

Regular events will be arranged by Mudiad Meithrin to ensure that awareness of Welsh-medium education and the benefits of bilingualism are raised. We will work with Mudiad Meithrin to produce a new leaflet on bilingualism and opportunities for parents to choose a Welsh medium education for their children. We will provide a weblink for the Parents’ Guide on the Wrexham CBC website. We will work in partnership with

9

Work in partnership with agencies (e.g. Mudiad Meithrin,

GwE provides school improvement support to Welsh medium schools e.g. national

consortia.

Mudiad Meithrin and with other agencies such as Twf, Menter Iaith and the Urdd. They will then share information of good practice with colleagues across Wales during planned meetings and update through the Forum. We will need in the longer term to pursue a collaborative approach in order to meet the growing demand for secondary school places.

1.5

1.6

Increase the ability to take advantage of Welsh-medium provision through immersion education schemes and centres for latecomers.

We plan to work closely with neighbouring authorities to provide additional support, resources and advice for schools. The majority of the funding though will be delegated directly to schools for them to address those new to the language.

Establish a Welsh-medium Education Forum and establish links with the Children and Young

The Welsh in Education Forum meets at least termly and all major stakeholders are represented. The aim of this group is to oversee the targets set out in this plan (see measureable targets at the beginning of each outcome). The forum sits underneath other groups which contribute to the raising standards agenda, namely – Wrexham Association of Secondary Headteachers (WASH), Primary Headteachers’ Federation (PHF) and the LA/School Effectiveness Group. The Foundation Phase Team meet regularly with Mudiad Meithrin to ensure best use of resources and a consistent approach to Welsh language development in Early Years settings. The aims of the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan are reflected in the overall Council Plan 2012-2016.

The ‘Trochi’ programme continues to run very successfully at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd and these pupils secure good outcomes. For example, 12 of the 14 ‘Trochi’ 2010 cohort took GSCEs in 2015. 100% achieved a level 2 qualification in Welsh first language.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Number Attending 15 18 7 12 13 18 18 18

Twf, Menter Iaith and the Urdd) and the Regional School Improvement Service (GwE) to ensure collaborative working.

Improve the provision for latecomers.

priorities numeracy and literacy and leadership programmes which have been offered bilingually since Spring 2015. The number of pupils attending the Trochi programme has risen steadily since 2013 with good outcomes being achieved by these learners.

Number Transferring 14 15 7 11 11 10

10

Establish a Welsh in Education Forum and establish links to key plans.

The Forum was established in 2012 and meets at least once a term. The WESP is reflected in the most recent version of the Council

1.7

People’s Plan. Ensure considerations for resources and finance for Welsh-medium provision within early years. Provide information for parents/carers

Plan 2015-17 under PE6 ‘Welsh language and culture is promoted and supported.’

We will ensure the plan is on the website with an opportunity to respond to the consultation. We will also provide a link to survey monkey to ask a small number of pertinent questions related to the plan.

Information is provided for parents through the Parents Guide which is distributed in hard copy format to Year 6 pupils and is available on the web. This is updated annually. It can be found at http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/education_docs.htm Working with Menter Iaith we will provide additional information for parents on the opportunities to ensure their child is fully bilingual. A booklet is now nearing completion and will be available for parents by 30 June to add to the current material distributed by Mudiad Meithrin/Twf. We will support Welsh Government’s marketing campaign to raise awareness of Welsh medium education. The Family Information Service provide information about all pre-school childcare. There is very limited registered childcare available in Welsh.

11

Ensure parents understand we have enough provision for Welsh medium education throughout the system. Parents need to understand that to be effective this is until their child is at least 16.

Booklet completed?

Outcome 2: More learners continuing to improve their language skills on transfer from primary school to secondary school We will be successful if we achieve the following in Welsh first language: 2014/15 -

Key Stage 2 – target - Level 4 - 88%

Actual performance 2015 – 88.9%

Key Stage 3 – target - Level 5 - 90%

Actual performance 2015 – 93.9%

2015/16 -

Key Stage 2 – target - Level 4 - 90+%

Key Stage 3 – target Level 5 – 90+%

2016/17 -

Key Stage 2 – target - Level 4 - 90+%

Key Stage 3 – target Level 5 – 90+%

Performance in Welsh first language at key stage 2 dipped in 2015 (88.9%) when compared to 2014 (90.4%). Performance is now below the Welsh average. Also only 29% of Wrexham schools are above the median. We will work with GwE (the regional school improvement service) to rectify this and make improvements. Performance in Welsh first language at key stage 3 rose in 2015 (93.9%) when compared to 2014 (91.7%). Performance is now above the Welsh average. Performance in the higher levels (L6 & L7) also rose in 2015. We will work with GwE (the regional school improvement service) to maintain this upward trend. You should also complete Appendices 2/3 A. Objective 2.1

Increase the percentage of Year 9 learners who are assessed in Welsh (First Language)

B. Current position (Questions to be answered) The number attending Ysgol Morgan Llwyd will increase from 2015 due to increased numbers in feeder schools. Also the falling rolls affecting all current secondary cohorts for secondary schools will begin to rise again in September 2015. We will continue to promote the ‘Trochi’ option for pupils not currently in Welsh medium primary schools. We will also encourage W.M. pupils in the Ceiriog Federation of schools to transfer to Ysgol Morgan Llwyd. A small number of pupils currently choose Ysgol Dinas Bran (a school with a Welsh medium stream) and a small number of these pupils then transfer to the English medium stream during KS3.

C. Targets Maintain the 100 % teacher assessment through the medium of Welsh in year 9.

D. Progress Achieved?

We will work closely with stakeholders, and in particular the staff and Governors of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, to plan for the increased capacity needed for Welsh Medium secondary provision by 2017. 2.2

Develop more effective transfer between the funded nonmaintained provision to maintained school provision, between Key Stage 2 and 3 and Key Stage 3 and 4.

Pre-school to School transfer Mudiad Meithrin track progression to Welsh-medium schools and Welsh-medium provision in the Ceiriog Federation of schools. The transfer figures for 2011-12 and 2012-13 are all nearly 100%, •

Achieved?

Maintain the 99+ % transfer rate.

Achieved?

Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2

The transfer from FP to KS2 is nearly always 100%. Any very rare exceptions are usually due to families relocating. •

Maintain the 95+ % transfer rate.

Key Stages 2 and 3 12

The transfer rate between Welsh medium primary schools and Ysgol Morgan Llwyd is nearly always 95%. A number of learners from Ysgol ID Hooson transferred out Welsh medium education we need to work together to address this. Jan 2014

Transfer To Morgan Llwyd

Jan 2015

Transfer To Morgan Llwyd

Cefn Mawr (Ysgol Min-y-Ddol C.P.) Coedpoeth (Ysgol Bryn Tabor C.P.) Ysgol Cynddelw, Glyn Ceiriog Llanarmon D.C. C.P. Rhos Welsh (Ysgol Hooson C.P.) Wrexham (Ysgol Bodhyfryd C.P.) Wrexham (Ysgol Plas Coch C.P.)

2 24 13 4 26 33 10

1 24 2 2 25 31 30

5 28 10 1 42 49 26

3 27 0 0 28 46 26

Total:

132

115

161

130

NAME OF PRIMARY SCHOOL

NAME OF SCHOOL

Wrexham (Ysgol Morgan Llwyd) Rate of Progression (%)

Allocated Sept 2012

Allocated Sept 2013

Allocated Sept 2014

Allocated Sept 2015

117

124

126

144

110%

111%

110%

111%

The extra % is made up from the pupils who followed the Cwrs Trochi. •

Key Stage 3 and 4.

The transfer rate between Welsh medium primary schools and Ysgol Morgan Llwyd is nearly always 100%. 2.3

Promote a higher proportion of Welshmedium provision within

The authority has only one school with a Welsh stream, Ysgol Cynddelw, which is now part of the Ceiriog Federation of schools. Over half the pupils (60%) are following their education through the medium of Welsh on this site. We aim to increase this by 5% each academic year.

13

Maintain the 99+ % transfer rate.

Achieved?

Maintain the 95+ % transfer rate.

Achieved?

bilingual schools.

Ysgol Cynddelw

2015

2016

2017

60% (actual)

65%

70%

The transfer rate is always 100% to Welsh medium education. Some pupils transfer to Ysgol Dinas Bran in a neighbouring county nearly all are still following Welsh medium education. Additional transition work to build on strong links with Ysgol Morgan Llwyd will be developed to ensure nearly all pupils transfer to the said school.

2.4

The Guidance Document 065/2012 “Promoting Linguistic Progression between Key Stages 2 and 3” is used and nearly always results in 100% transfer rates. Not applicable

14

Outcome 3: More learners aged 14-16 studying for qualifications through the medium of Welsh Outcome 4: More learners aged 16-19 studying subjects through the medium of Welsh in schools, colleges and work-based learning We will be successful if: The Welsh medium provision is maintained at a level which meets the requirements of the Learning and Skills Measure at 14-16 and 16-19.

3.1

You should complete Appendix 4 A. Objective B. Current position (Questions to be answered) Increase the percentage Provision 14-19 is mainly at the Welsh medium secondary school (Ysgol Morgan of learners aged 14-16 Llwyd) in partnership with the local FE college (Coleg Cambria) and another studying for Welsh medium secondary school in a neighbouring authority (Ysgol Maes qualifications through Garmon in Flintshire). Because of the provision model in Wrexham we are the medium of Welsh consistently seeking GCSE and vocational courses in partnership to increase the potential for learners studying through the medium of Welsh. We will maintain the 100% of Welsh learners studying for 5 or more qualifications through the medium of Welsh in Ysgol Morgan Llwyd and increase the number of pupils who have access to Welsh medium education to 18% of Wrexham learners by 2018.

3.2

4.1

Ensuring that provision for 14-16 year old learners complies with the Learning and Skills Measure (Wales) 2009

Increase the percentage of learners aged 16-19

We will continue to meet the Learning & Skills Measure at Key stage 4 through the medium of Welsh through the support of 14-19 funding in partnership between Ysgol Morgan Llwyd and Coleg Cambria. 100% of the option courses will be offered through the medium of Welsh at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd.

C. Targets Current projections suggest that an increase from the current number of 9% to 18% by 2017 is realistic. We will need to ensure that sufficient funding is available through the Welsh Education Grant (WEG) to promote 1419 Welsh-medium education within the LA. 100% of option courses will be offered through the medium of Welsh at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd.

To maintain the current Continuation of 14 – 19 grant support will be required to ensure that this provision level of provision as is sustained. At current funding levels Welsh medium provision is sustainable. funding is reduced. Every pupil who wants to follow Welsh medium provision is able to do so. To ensure that every pupil who wants to follow We will prioritise all grant funding to ensure that provision for all 14-19 learners their option courses comply with the Learning & Skills Measure. The challenge will be to sustain through the medium of provision despite a reduction in funding. Welsh is able to do so. As a result of the successful ongoing partnership working between Ysgol Morgan By 2020 current Llwyd and Coleg Cambria we will increase the provision in line with student projections suggest that 15

D. Progress Wrexham effectively meets these targets. Learners have a wide range of suitable options through the medium of Welsh. Pupils make progress in line with their potential.

who study subjects through the medium of Welsh in schools

numbers and the economic and linguistic needs of the local community as specified in the Council Plan. Approximately 33% of learners in Wrexham schools, aged 16 – 19 currently study subjects through the medium of Welsh.

Learners in Welsh schools, aged 16-19

2015

2016

2017

38%

40%

42%

45% is a realistic estimate.

Identify future economic and linguistic needs and We will further develop partnership arrangements with the Coleg Cambria to develop appropriate determine the economic needs of the local area and meet the Learning and Skills Learning Programmes. Measure by providing further courses through the medium of Welsh. The number of full-time learners at the Yale site (Wrexham) of Coleg Cambria who have previously studied through the medium of Welsh is approximately 6%. Network Support funding is used to support the work of the 16 – 19 North Wales Welsh Education Forum. 4.2

Work through 14-19 Networks and 14-19 Regional Forums to sustain and improve Welsh-medium provision

The LA supports the 14 – 19 Welsh Medium Bilingual Support Group. This Group is Chaired by the headteacher of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd and a representative from the 14 – 19 Regional Network attends the meetings. A regional co-ordinator facilitates the work of the North Wales Regional Forum. The headteacher from Ysgol Morgan Llwyd is a member of the North East Wales Welsh Education Forum. A Welsh Education Forum for North Wales has been established consisting of headteachers. This group share good practice on developing literacy and numeracy and collaborative working. Wrexham remains fully committed to being an active and leading partner in the 14-19 Regional Forum.

4.3

Gather, analyse and use data for 14-19 Welsh-medium provision. Plan for post16 Welsh-medium provision within

Welsh medium provision is currently being developed for work based-learning in the Wrexham area. All work based learners who have previously followed their learning through the medium of Welsh have been asked if they wish to continue with an element of their work based learning programme through the medium of Welsh. 16

To raise awareness of the value of bilingualism as a skill for employment. To sustain Welsh medium provision at a level which meets the requirements of the Learning and Skills Measure at 14-16 and 16-19 is a challenging one. To develop further collaborative provision to ensure sustainability.

To sign-post learners to work-based learning providers and opportunities available through the medium of the Welsh language.

partnerships

The 14 – 19 Network plans and provides for post-16 Welsh medium education through the 14 – 19 Regional Network Development Plan. Regular meetings take place of the 14 – 19 Network and Welsh Medium / Bilingual Support Group. Feedback should be given to the 14-19 Network from the Welsh Medium / Bilingual Support Group.

17

To ensure that Welsh Medium provision is discussed at the 14-19 Network meeting

Outcome 5: More learners with higher skills in Welsh We will be successful if we achieve the following standards in: Welsh first language 2014/15 -

Key Stage 2 – Level 4 – 88.9%,

Key Stage 3 – Level 5 – 93.9%,

Key Stage 4 – A* - C – 76.7%

2015/16 -

Key Stage 2 – target – 91%,

Key Stage 3 – target – 94+%,

Key Stage 4 – A* - C – target – 77+%

2016/17 -

Key Stage 2 – Level 4 - 92%,

Key Stage 3 – target - 94+%,

Key Stage 4 – A* - C – target - 78+%

Performance in Welsh first language at key stage 4 in the L2 GCSE indicator rose in 2015 (76.7%) when compared to 2014 (69.0%). Performance is now above the Welsh average. We will work with GwE (the regional school improvement service) to maintain this upward trend. Welsh Second Language 2014/15 – Key Stage 2 – Level – 82.6%

Key Stage 3 – 75.1%,

Key Stage 4 – A* - C – 79%

2015/16 – Key Stage 2 – Level 4 – 83+%,

Key Stage 3 – 78+%,

Key Stage 4 – A* - C – 79%

2016/17 – Key Stage 2 - Level 4 – 84+%,

Key Stage 3 – 80+%,

Key Stage 4 – A* - C – 80%

Welsh second language at KS 2 performance has increased from 77.8% in 2014 to 82.6% in 2015 which is above the Wales average of 76.1%. Wrexham is in the top quartile and the rate of improvement is greater than the rate of improvement across Wales. 2016 Reading tests: Years 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 %scoring 85+ and %scoring 115+: All above median 2017- Reading tests: Years 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 %scoring 85+ and %scoring 115+: All above median

5.1

A. Objective

B. Current position (Questions to be answered)

C. Targets

D. Progress

Improve provision to address literacy in Welsh

Since September 2013 outstanding literacy associate partners have been in place and they support schools to implement the Literacy Framework at a classroom level. Associate partners work in a targeted way supporting a range of schools.

Work closely with the consortium to improve standards of literacy in Welsh.

The percentage of learners with reading scores 115 has decreased from 14.7% in

Individual schools are responsible for testing, identifying target groups of learners, delivering and monitoring the intervention and reporting on progress. LA support is accessed as and when required.

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Response to future initiatives and directives Estyn’s Guidance on inspecting literacy – of the 4 Welsh medium schools inspected under the new Estyn Framework 3 were deemed to be good. The 4th school has been removed from Special Measures and continues to receive additional support from the LA and GwE and is making good progress.

scoring 85+ and percentage scoring 115+ all above the median.

2014 to 10.9% in 2015.

Raise standards in Outcome 5 and Outcome 6 in Language, Literacy and Communication Skills in Welshmedium/bilingual schools.

At Foundation Phase, LCW increased from 85.7% in 2014 to 89.2% in 2015.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

5.2

Improve provision and standards of Welsh First Language

A variety of the Welsh-medium schools continue to be actively involved in PLCs focusing on improving standards of literacy in Welsh. These include PLCs within schools, cluster and Welsh-medium schools within other LAs. They focus on boys literacy, developing writing across the curriculum, working in partnership with parents and planning for the implementation of the National Literacy Framework (NLF). As part of the monitoring process of PLCs within its schools the LA ensures that measurable success criteria are in place. The percentage of learners at the end of Foundation Phase who reach at least Foundation Phase Outcome 5 in Language, Literacy and Communication Skills in Welsh-medium/bilingual schools for 2013 within the LA was 86.9%. GwE will be working with schools to further raise standards with a particular focus on more able and talented pupils and higher levels. The GwE Business Plan and Education Improvement plan are very closely aligned. The main priorities from Ysgol Morgan Llwyd’s School Improvement Plan are aligned to the above. The Welsh-medium cluster of schools have half termly meetings in order to discuss a variety of issues. The headteacher of the Welsh-medium secondary school shares information on end of Key Stage 3 and 4 results with the feeder primary to monitor accuracy of teacher assessment and progress made. Challenging targets are set by all schools.

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Raise standards at Level 4 and Level 5 in oracy, reading and writing in Welshmedium/bilingual schools.

At KS2 performance in Welsh First Language dipped slightly in 2015 to 88.9% compared with 90.4% in 2014. At KS3, performance in Welsh First Language rose from 91.7% in 2014 to 93.9% in 2015. At KS4, the percentage of pupils achieving A*-C grades at GSCE level in Welsh First Language was 77% in 2015. This was an 8% increase

The cluster of Welsh medium schools also meet regularly for standardisation and moderation purposes in order to ensure consistency of teacher assessment.

5.3

Increase opportunities for learners of all ages to practise their Welsh outside the classroom

The Education Improvement Grant is utilised in order to aid staff in Welshmedium schools to have the necessary knowledge, skills and support to deliver excellent teaching and learning within our schools, addressing the needs of all pupils. The LA arranges educational visits to the Urdd centre at Glan Llyn and Cardiff for all Welsh-medium primary schools. All pupils are able to practise their Welsh with other pupils and staff. Schools are also involved in a wide range of the Urdd Eisteddfod competitions. A number of schools have their own selection of clubs held before and after the school day. We will work with the Senedd Ifanc, Menter Iaith, Urdd Gobaith Cyrmu and other stakeholders e.g. Film Club Cymru to provide more opportunities for learners of all ages to use the language outside of school.

5.4

Improve provision and standards of Welsh Second Language

We will work with the Welsh medium schools locally and within the consortium to share good practice to ensure a whole-school approach to planning for the informal use of Welsh. The authority requested information on Teacher Assessment in Welsh as a Second Language at the end of key stage 2 since 2010. The Key Stage 2/3 Cluster Moderation has helped all schools to identify good practice and have a much better understanding of the level descriptors. Schools from the primary and secondary phase have a good understanding of levels, this has led to greater confidence in the accuracy and robustness of the data. External verification will come in the summer of 2016.

compared with 69% in 2014.

Continue to develop opportunities for learners to develop their Welsh outside the classroom. Work with Camu to provide further opportunities to use Welsh outside the classroom.

Continue to raise standards and reduce variation.

At KS2, performance in Welsh Second Language increased from 77.8% in 2014 to 82.6% in 2015.

GwE and Welsh in Education Officers will be working with schools to further raise standards with a particular focus on two levels of progress at key stage 3.

At KS3, performance in Welsh Second Language increased from 75.1% in 2014 to 77.2% in 2015.

Continue to increase the number of pupils

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Welsh Second Language full course performance A*-C increased slightly from 82.7% in 2014 to 82.8% in 2015. Welsh Second Language

sitting the full course at GCSE.

5.5

Increase opportunities for learners of all ages to practise their Welsh outside the classroom

The authority continues to arrange educational visits to the Urdd centre at Glan Llyn and Cardiff for all English- medium primary schools. Schools are encouraged to involve the local Urdd initiatives in order to develop the use of incidental Welsh. The ACAI course offers language and methodology training for Englishmedium primary school teachers. The course is accredited through Glyndwr University and allows access to a masters degree at the end of the 4 years. Units have been prepared which utilise the day-to-day practice of teachers with regards to Welsh as a Second language. One unit is based solely on researching and developing the use of incidental Welsh. All English-medium primary schools are offered a place on the courses which are delivered by the Welsh advisory team. A focus of these courses is to develop the use of incidental Welsh. Individual support is also offered to schools and teachers through the advisory team.

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Continue to develop opportunities for learners to develop their Welsh outside the classroom.

short course performance A*-C increased from 45.1% in 2014 to 48.0% in 2015.

Outcome 6: Welsh-medium provision for learners Additional Learning Needs We will be successful if we achieve the following standards: Wrexham effectively meets its Statutory obligations for Children and Young People with Additional Learning Needs. Pupils make progress in line with their potential. The LA has effectively responded to demand and equality of access by providing a Welsh Medium resourced provision for pupils with ALN across all phases as the new Foundation Phase Resourced Provision has opened and the Key Stage 2 provision is now full time.

6.1

A. Objective

B. Current position (Questions to be answered)

C. Targets

Improve Welsh-medium additional learning needs provision (ALN)

The plans are developing and enhancing Welsh Language ALN provision on a collaborative basis at a consortium level. A review of ALN Provision in the Welsh-medium sector was completed by 2015. As the provision at Bodhyfryd services the whole cluster, the above has also increased the numbers of pupils who currently access the provision. The Local Authority worked closely with Welsh medium schools to answer an identified need to improve provision for foundation phase pupils with additional learning needs. A Welsh medium resourced provision for Foundation Phase pupils opened in September 2015. The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCO) group established within the cluster has proved a very effective vehicle to develop, practise and increase consistency of delivery across the cluster. The majority of pupils in all the cluster schools are from English first language backgrounds. The cluster follow a similar pattern of keeping parents informed about their child’s needs, be they more talented pupils or if they have additional needs requiring support from specialist services. The schools provide support and challenge with literacy, numeracy, behavioural support and support with emotional and social issues. Feedback from parents in parental questionnaires is very

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Maintain regular meetings with Welsh medium headteachers and SENCOs to monitor demand, evaluate provision and outcomes.

D. Progress

Wrexham effectively meets its statutory obligations for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs. Pupils make progress in line with their potential. The LA has effectively responded to demand and equality of access by providing a Welsh Medium resourced provision for pupils with ALN across all phases as the new Foundation Phase Resourced Provision has opened and the Key Stage 2 provision is now full time.

positive. Parents are actively encouraged to discuss any concerns with the schools during parents evenings, literacy and numeracy evenings, and through questionnaires. The Local Authority has provided specialist support and guidance to the Welsh medium schools through appointing individuals to support pupils with emotional and wellbeing issues. This has proved invaluable. The clusters were given the opportunity to agree on a priority area (emotional development and behaviour) and were involved in the appointment process. We consider this to be an area of good practice and would like to see this increased autonomy increased further. There is also a key focus on linking ALN support with health (Physio, Speech and Language) which are delivered in Welsh. The Cluster also strive to ensure effective links with the wider network of support for pupils and families (Together Achieving Change (TAC), School Social Worker, Police Liaison, Social Services,) as these services are all seen as linked to whole child development.

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Try to ensure schools have access to a Welsh speaking Educational Psychologist.

Outcome 7: Workforce planning and Continuous Professional Development We will be successful if: Staff have a wide range of opportunities to improve their language skills. A. Objective 7.1

Ensure that there are sufficient numbers of practitioners to deliver Welsh-medium education

B. Current position (Questions to be answered) There is a growing concern regarding recruitment within the Welsh medium sector. All stakeholders need to work together to address this issue. The one Welsh-medium secondary school in Wrexham does not have teacher vacancies although again the number of applicants is low. There were no vacant posts for teachers of Welsh at the start of September 2013. We are now able through regional working to offer support and advice in secondary schools for Welsh second language. Classroom assistant vacancies to work through the medium of Welsh are filled, however the number of applicants are again very few. Most of the classroom assistants are able to converse freely in Welsh but do not often have the full range of literacy skills.

C. Targets

D. Progress

Work closely with the consortium to ensure successful recruitment.

A range of leadership courses are available through the medium of Welsh through GwE.

Enhance the literacy skills of classroom assistants

The Council has adopted a Language Skills Strategy dating back to 2009. This document notes the steps in order to recruit for a Welsh essential post. If the applicants are unable to speak Welsh, Wrexham Council provides basic and intermediate Welsh language training for all staff. The council has worked with the HR department to put in place a robust and detailed recruitment form in order to establish whether or not Welsh is deemed essential for a post. Information regarding the Sabbatical Scheme is shared by Officers in order to ensure that the governing bodies are fully aware of the scheme and of Wrexham LA's vision for teachers/teaching assistants to be

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Ensure Camu is the main provider of effective training.

seconded onto the scheme. There were no vacancies to teach Welsh. No classroom assistant vacancies to work through the medium of Welsh were not filled at the start of September 2015. Number of Teachers on the Welsh Sabbatical Course 7.2

Improve practitioners’ linguistic skills. Improve practitioners’ methodological skills

2015

2016

2017

10

12

14

The aims and targets from the WESP and WEG are very closely aligned. We will challenge effective use of the Welsh in Education Grant to support activities that will contribute to the above. The GwE system leaders’ termly visits to schools indentify and monitor progress against school improvement priorities. They also support the school to identify appropriate CPD opportunities in Welsh-medium and bilingual schools. We are looking to work collaboratively in the future with the consortia to provide Welsh medium training. The Welsh in Education Officers are responsible for clusters of schools and respond to: a) Demand from schools b) Estyn reports c) GwE System Leaders’ reports on Welsh Second Language d) Linguistic Skills Survey results e) Post Training classroom support and monitoring. f) End of Key Stage 2 Assessment Results. The courses currently on offer are still in great demand and highly valued by schools. The CPD programme has a clear literacy focus and raising standards.

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Increase the numbers attending the Welsh sabbatical course. Improve the levels and confidence of teachers in all phases.

Successful Welsh language and methodology accredited course (ACAI) in place for English-medium primary settings. Schools are informed of the Sabbatical schemes and urged to attend.

As an authority we already have a successful Welsh language and methodology accredited course (ACAI) in place for those in the Englishmedium primary settings. Schools are informed of the Sabbatical schemes and urged to attend. Full support has been given to meet all demands made by the organisers including a comprehensive list of teachers who have completed course with the LA service and who would benefit from further support. 2014-15

2015-16

ACAI

10

12

Year 5/6

17

19

Year 3/4

11

15

Basic Lang & Meth

12

19

Sabbatical

1

4

Welsh for Teaching Assistants

62

67

The Authority’s Welsh in Education Officers also provide whole school / cluster training and meetings. 7.3

Integrate Welsh-medium considerations into each aspect of the School Effectiveness Framework

In line with Welsh Government guidance for Professional Learning Communities all schools are asked to concentrate on the national priorities of literacy, numeracy and tackling the effect of poverty on achievement.

67 teaching assistants have attended the authority’s Welshlanguage courses.

The support for literacy in Welsh medium schools is either delivered by the consortium (GwE) or they help schools to identify and commission support.

The Welsh second language courses are offered to all schools and attendance continues to be at full capacity. They are delivered by Welsh in Education Officers.

Feedback from all courses are 100% positive and all practitioners who have accessed the courses note that they are more confident in their delivery of Welsh in their schools as a result of the training offered.

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Section 3: Commentary and further notes

27

Appendix 2: Number and percentage of pupils attending non-maintained Welsh-medium settings and funded non-maintained Welsh-medium settings which provide the Foundation Phase who transfer to Welsh-medium/bilingual schools (please note if information is unobtainable) See Outcome 1.2 Appendix 3: Number and percentage of pupils in Welsh-medium and bilingual primary schools transferring to Welsh-medium secondary schools See Outcome 2.2 Appendix 4: Attainment and performance in Welsh Second Language (This information should be provided at LA level) See Outcome 5 Appendix 5 The following information does not need to be included in a separate appendix or table but should be included to support the text in Outcome 5: •the results of assessments and/or external examinations of pupils following the programme of study for Welsh at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4; •the results of assessments and/or external examinations of pupils following the programme of study for Welsh Second Language at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4; •the numbers and percentages of pupils: o entered for an external examination in Welsh Second Language, by course type; and o not entered for an external examination in Welsh Second Language Appendix 6: List of statutory consultees We will consult with the following on the Plan in draft: Section 84 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013: • • • • • • • •

neighbouring local authorities the head teacher of each school maintained by it the governing body of each school maintained by it each institution within the further education sector in its area in relation to any foundation or voluntary school in its area – o the person who appoints the foundation governors o if the school has a religious character, the appropriate religious body other prescribed persons. Namely: the Welsh Language Commissioner the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership

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• •

school councils Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales

• • • •

The public consultation will be launched – 30.11.15 The closing date for public consultation will be - 19.12.15 The public consultation conforms to the requirements of the legislation The post-consultation version of the Plan will be submitted to Welsh Ministers - 20.12.15

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