How will schools in Rhondda benefit from the £8.8 million announced on 3 December 2024 in the Welsh Government press release to increase school attendance and engagement, including the £1.5 million for family engagement officers?
Improving attendance is one of my top priorities. Family Engagement Officers (FEOs) are employed to help foster a trusting and positive relationship between their schools and families by bridging the gap between school and home life. They offer support and guidance and ensure that parents and carers feel listened to and are engaged with the school.
I welcome the work already happening in Rhondda Cynon Taff and their highly effective Community of Practice for FEOs to collaborate.
The £1.5m funding I announced on 3 December will be distributed across all Local Authorities in Wales. This, along with the £6.5m the Welsh Government has already invested in FEO roles across Wales this financial year, has meant that Local Authorities, including Rhondda Cynon Taff, have been able to create the capacity for more roles in more schools, thus increasing the positive impact on children, young people and their families.
Further details on the wider funding announced will be set out in line with the Welsh Government budget on 10 December.