Page 22 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

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‘ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives; enterprising creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work; ethical informed citizens of Wales and the world; and healthy, confident individuals ready to live fulfilling lives as valued members of society.’
This will be achieved by adopting a number of changes which include but are not limited to;
• Replacing the existing key stages with ‘progression steps’ at ages 5,8,11,14 and 16, which will provide educators and parents with a ‘road map’ for pupils tailored to their specific needs.
• Introduction of three ‘cross-curriculum’ responsibilities of all teachers – literacy, numeracy
and digital competence.
• External, standardised testing to provide important benchmarking information – but its
frequency “kept to a minimum” in view of its impact on the curriculum and teaching and
learning.
• Programme of professional learning to be developed to ensure that the implications of
the review for the skills and knowledge of teachers are fully met.
Professor Hazelkorn’s review of post compulsory education for Welsh Government ‘Towards 2030’ identified a number of recommendations for improving the post compulsory education system in Wales. This included a greater emphasis for developing a more ‘joined up’ approach ‘Develop an overarching vision for the post-compulsory education system for Wales based upon stronger links between education policy, providers and provision, and social and economic goals to ensure the needs of Wales are future-proofed as far as practicable.’41 It also places a significant emphasis on further developing an improved supply led approach to the delivery of post compulsory education ‘Create a better balance between supply-led and demand-led education and research provision shifting away from a market-demand driven system to a mix of regulation and competition-based funding.’42
Clearly, there are new and growing expectations in relation to the education system. With new conceptions of knowledge becoming more apparent in society and increased pressure on individuals to possess the correct mix of skills it is apparent that the education system should be well-equipped to meet these needs.43
2.16 Local Policy Priorities
Economic development with the South West and Mid Wales regions is driven by the Swansea Bay City Region and the Growing Mid Wales Partnerships, created to provide the drive and leadership required to enhance economic growth opportunities through a cross-sectoral approach. As a result of the proposed developments there will be significant skills requirements that will require coordinated interventions. Both of these partnerships are continuing to develop new proposals to boost economic growth and support the regional economies.
At the local level, regeneration and growth plans emphasise the regional commitment to joint working. Collaboration with the Public Service Boards ensures alignment between Single Integrated Plans and the Regional Delivery Plan for Employment and Skills. Regional commitment to joint working continues to support the development of a culture that is more sustainable and efficient.
38 http://www.assembly.wales/laid%20documents/gen-ld10378/gen-ld10378-e.pdf 39 http://www.assembly.wales/laid%20documents/gen-ld10378/gen-ld10378-e.pdf 40 http://gov.wales/funding/eu-funds/2014-2020/looking/epf/?lang=en
41 http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/160310-hazelkorn-report-en.pdf
42 http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/160310-hazelkorn-report-en.pdf
43 http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/media/uwtsd-website/content-assets/documents/wcee/successful-futures.pdf
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Policy Context