How does the Minister plan to directly address the concerns that developing Welsh language skills is inconsistent across schools, following the Estyn chief inspector’s annual report?
Last year, I launched a toolkit to further support high standards of oracy and reading in both Welsh and English medium schools and settings.
Estyn is currently undertaking a thematic review on developing Welsh reading skills, which will report in June 2024. This report will inform the next phase of this essential area of work.
We have also published a framework to help English-medium schools and settings develop genuine purpose and authenticity in learning and teaching Welsh in their curriculum.
Local authorities must prepare a Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESPs) which details its proposals to improve the planning and standards of the provision of education through the medium of Welsh. I expect to see all local authorities grow their Welsh-medium education provision over the next 10 years – and support those delivering and accessing it.