How is the Welsh Government working with local authorities to reduce dependency on agency staff for schools?
Under the Staffing of Maintained Schools (Wales) Regulations 2006, school governing bodies have responsibility for ensuring that they have an effective workforce in place, appropriate to the needs of the school and its learners. Headteachers and governing bodies make decisions on how to staff their schools, including from where to source staff. Schools can recruit staff directly, via their local authority or via an agency.
We are developing a National Supply Pool for Wales which will enable schools to book supply staff using an online booking platform. Staff booked through this platform will be employed directly by the local authority or school, and the facility will act as an alternative for schools compared with booking staff via an agency. The booking elements of the platform rolled out in the Ynys Môn area earlier this term and we are exploring a staggered roll out to other local authority areas.