NEU Cymru comment on Estyn annual report

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Speaking about the publication of Estyn's annual report, Nicola Fitzpatrick, Interim Wales Secretary for the National Education Union (NEU) Cymru, said:

"NEU Cymru members will recognise many of the challenges highlighted by Estyn's Annual Report today. But not necessarily with the suggested actions. In particular, our members tell us pupil attendance, implementation of the curriculum and recruitment and retention of teachers are all significant issues, so it is useful for Estyn to highlight these.

"NEU Cymru is clear - the education sector in Wales needs more support, and the main priority must be fair funding. Schools cannot support children and young people without help from other services. Young people need access to CAMHs, support with additional learning needs (ALN) and a preventative approach to behaviour. 

"The workload crisis in our schools needs to be fully recognised by the inspectorate. Teachers and support staff need time outside the classroom to prepare and focus on learning. Additional Learning Needs Coordinators (ALNCos) and support staff need access to proper funding, training and support. Without these interventions, the education system in Wales will struggle. 

"It is time Estyn had a statutory responsibility to look at staff wellbeing."

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