“Significant achievements" of Vale Education Service -
01/03/07
The Vale of Glamorgan Education Authority has welcomed a new
report which highlights “significant achievements” in the last
three years.
Produced by the Wales Audit Office, the report, which was
undertaken in November last year and is a third in five years,
reviews the authority's progress with school improvement and
strategic management.
Acknowledging that the Council has worked hard to build an
"effective education directorate," the report says: "The Vale
Council as a whole and the directorate have devoted energy to
ensuring that the essential features of an effective education
service are in place.
"The Council can now use its growing credibility with the
education sector to provide leadership to the wider education
community across the Vale."
The report highlights the fact that, overall, Vale schools have
amongst the highest levels of achievement of any Welsh local
authority and notes: "The Council is becoming more assertive in its
challenge to schools in order to secure the best possible education
for children and young people in the area."
Looking at Council plans to invest £68m over the next 10 years
to improve school buildings, including the complete rebuilding of
three secondary schools, the report stresses that it will be
important that the planning for these improvements takes account of
curriculum developments and the "emerging vision for future
education provision."
Vale Cabinet Member for Education and Training Cllr Nigel Gibbs
said: “The continuing progress made in school improvement and
strategic management is extremely pleasing, and a credit to all
involved.
“It is clear that our progress has depended upon the efforts of
officers, the support of schools and a determination by councillors
to make the necessary changes.
“Whilst the report is very positive, it also highlights a number
of issues which remain to be tackled.
“The Council Cabinet will consider these matters and ensure that
they are addressed so that the significant improvements which have
been identified are built upon in the future.
“Education remains a core priority for the Council and we will
work with our partners to ensure learners within the Vale continue
to benefit from highly quality educational opportunities.”