Local authorities have a statutory duty to prepare and submit Welsh in Education Strategic Plans to Welsh Ministers for their consideration. Plans must set challenging targets for developing Welsh medium education in their areas.
The first statutory WESPs covering the period 2014 to 2017 were submitted to Welsh Ministers in December 2013. The second statutory WESPs covering the period 2017 to 2020 were submitted to Welsh Ministers in December 2016. A full assessment of the plans was undertaken which found the plans didn’t go far enough to ensure sufficient growth in Welsh medium education to achieve our goal of a million Welsh speakers.
In 2017, the Minister’s predecessor, Alun Davies announced that Aled Roberts would undertake a rapid review of the plans and offer recommendations for the future of Welsh medium education planning. All eighteen of Aled Roberts’ recommendations were accepted and he will now begin work to implement them. An independent advisory board will be established to provide the necessary scrutiny during this process.
Eluned Morgan said:
“The WESPs submitted in 2017 initially lacked ambition and vision, which is why Aled was originally tasked to assess the plans. This is clear evidence that the system must now be improved so that we develop the right foundation for the planning of Welsh medium education that better reflects the ambition set in Cymraeg 2050, and the recognition that education is a key catalyst for change.
“I am delighted that Aled has agreed to continue the important work that he started with the review of the WESPs last year and look forward to working with him to ensure we have a system that is fit for the future and will help us to deliver the ambitious targets set in Cymraeg 2050.”
Aled Roberts said:
“The Cymraeg 2050 strategy defines the Government’s ambition for the future of our language. It recognises the critical role that early years and education will play in achieving our goals. I am looking forward to this role and will work tirelessly with others to bring about the change needed so that our youngsters have the opportunity to learn and work in a truly bilingual Wales.”
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