Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Education service and Youth Service praised in inspection reports

The Council’s Learning and Skills Directorate and Youth Service have been widely praised in inspection reports.

Estyn recently undertook two separate inspections, one assessing the local government education service as a whole provided by the Council and the second focussing on the Youth Service.  Estyn’s reports, published today, are hugely complimentary about the performance of both.

Chief Executive Rob Thomas said: “I know how much preparation went into these inspections and how hard colleagues in the Youth Service and Learning and Skills work. I’m delighted that this effort has been reflected in these inspection reports.

“A huge thank you to all involved for your dedication and commitment to the young people of our communities.

“Your contribution makes a real difference to these individuals, providing them with opportunities, confidence and the platform to be successful in later life.

“Inspections can be stressful, but everyone involved approached this challenge with the utmost professionalism and the results are there for all to see. Congratulations, you have done the Vale proud.”

“The reports are also a fitting tribute to our Director – Paula Ham, who retires from the Council at the end of June.  These extremely positive reports provide firm evidence of the commitment which Paula has shown to education and youth work in the Vale of Glamorgan during her time as Director and something that she should be extremely proud of.”

The education service report, states: “Officers carry out their roles diligently and are committed to ensuring that all children and young people in the Vale have access to high quality education and support… 

“The Local Authority provides strong support for its schools in relation to supporting pupils with Additional Learning Needs and officers have worked well to strategically plan and deliver support for schools to prepare for the Additional Learning Needs Education Tribunal (Wales) Act (ALNET). In addition, support for schools to improve pupils’ attendance is generally effective. The Local Authority uses a broad range of data and works closely with schools and families, and attendance is improving.

“Members, senior leaders and officers are committed to reducing the impact of poverty on children and young people and work in this area has focussed closely on improving well-being, supporting families and addressing food insecurity….

“Cross-directorate working is a notable strength of the Local Authority’s work. The shared ambitions and cross directorate planning have secured effective working across all directorates that has supported education services well. This has helped the Local Authority to prioritise funding for education and work collaboratively……”

The report also included two recommendations, which were to “sharpen the focus of evaluation and improvement processes” and “improve the quality and use of information about learning and teaching in schools to enable the Local Authority to best direct its resources towards areas for improvement.”

There was similar acclaim for the youth service, with the report into its activities revealing: “By taking part in the Vale youth service activities, many young people gain the skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and values to support their own personal development and wellbeing. They develop a wide range of skills as well as gaining more formal accreditation through a range of local and national awards and accreditation opportunities.

“In targeted school sessions, young people develop resilience and coping skills which enhance their formal learning. Many who have not enjoyed success before grow in confidence, make better relationships and consider their futures.

“Young people participate enthusiastically and express their views in all the sessions we observed. Members of the Vale Youth Council articulate their views and opinions in a sophisticated and well-argued manner. These young people develop a strong understanding of the democratic process and become accomplished public speakers. Other young people express themselves through sporting activities, martial arts projects and gardening. They show an eagerness to contribute to the group dynamic.

Many young people are confident in expressing their own identities and perspectives while also learning to appreciate others. They become effective advocates for their rights, inclusion, and social justice. They challenge discrimination, promote equality and create positive change within their peer groups…

“The quality of youth work is consistently high. Youth workers are very clear about the principles of youth work and reflect this in their practice. They are dedicated to their roles, communicate effectively, build positive relationships with young people and have high levels of energy and enthusiasm. They constantly seek ways to refine and improve their work. Those who work in school settings are highly regarded by school staff as equal professionals. They are valued by young people and their parents and carers.

“Youth workers quickly assess the needs of young people with more complex challenges and the positive working relationships within and across the various teams and partners means that support is both prompt and efficient. They have the attitude that, whatever the barriers, they will never give up on a young person. They are trusted highly and play a significant role in supporting young people who are struggling as well as extending effective support to the wider family…

“The Vale of Glamorgan youth service is strongly based on the voice of young people and on providing the support that they need to grow as confident and informed citizens.”

Inspectors made just one recommendation, to “Develop opportunities for Welsh medium and bilingual youth work provision.”

This extremely positive feedback ensures the Council can move forward from a position of strength when delivering the very best for our children and young people.