Consultation on the proposed Learning and Skills (Wales) Measure 2008

(Saesneg yn unig)

NAHT Cymru response to specific questions which form the framework of the committees work

Is there need for legislation to re-organise 14 -19 provision?

Legislation could ultimately lead to a faster and more consistent delivery on policy objectives, but much could be achieved by clarity of definition and political drive. eg. we have been awaiting a satisfactory definition of what constitutes a vocational course and what the extent of the options menu should be. Lack of this information hinders schools in their planning.

However, Legislation is both time consuming and costly. The Learning Pathways strategy is the result of much hard work and collaboration, and NAHT Cymru has contributed to this process. NAHT Cymru would like clarification of the evidence that legislation is required.

Consultation Document 052/2008 is also considering collaborative working arrangements. There would appear to be several document addressing similar issues.

Does the proposed Measure achieve the policy objective or could changes be made without legislating?

NAHT Cymru feels that we are in danger of entering an era where collaborative working is seen as an end in itself, irrespective of the costs and benefits to learners. Legislation in itself will not necessarily achieve the objectives. As stated above much work has been done to promote the Learning Pathways agenda.

What are the views of stakeholders who will have to work with the new arrangements?

As well as the detailed evidence already provided, NAHT Cymru has concerns about the additional bureaucracy arising from the legislation; the lack of adequate resources, etc; the retention and recruitment of Headteachers; attention must be given to the geographical and demographic pattern of Wales.

What might be the barriers to delivering the policy agenda and does the proposed Measure take account of them?

In addition to evidence already submitted, NAHT Cymru wishes to underline the significant funding resources that will be required.

NAHT Cymru is particularly concerned as to how these proposals will affect Secondary Schools in rural areas, and Welsh Medium Schools in particular. There are Geographical and logistical difficulties in enforcing collaborative working. What may work in urban areas will not necessarily work in rural areas. Legislation in itself cannot accommodate the diversity of provision that already exists.