What analysis has the Welsh Government undertaken of local authority spending on supply teacher agencies, and what steps are being taken to reduce reliance on agency staff in schools?
In our manifesto, we committed to improving the terms and conditions for supply teachers and to working with schools, local authorities and social partners to develop sustainable alternatives to the current agency-led model. While local authorities retain responsibility for employment matters such as staffing, recruitment and pay at a local level under local management of schools’ regulations, the Welsh Government will be taking a more active role in shaping a consistent and sustainable workforce approach across Wales. Officials are working closely with key stakeholders, including through a dedicated sub-group of the Schools Social Partnership Forum, to collaboratively develop options for alternative models.
There is a National Supply Agency Framework agreement to help schools recruit temporary staff, which provides fairer pay and conditions, professional development opportunities and assurances to schools that agencies have met the minimum agreed requirements. We do not currently have the power to mandate the use of the framework. However, our analysis shows that 98% of agency spend in Wales for the provision of temporary workers in an education setting is now through the framework.
The current analysis of spending through the framework is as follows:
|
Date range |
Supply framework total spend |
|
2023-24 |
Approx £115m (£114,713,913) |
|
2024-25 |
Approx (£136,672,801) |
*2025-2026 data will be available from July 2026