Today (Fri 4^th March 22), leaders representing schools across Wales will be joined by Education Minister Jeremy Miles and other education experts to debate key issues for schools in Wales at school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru’s annual policy conference.

Other speakers will include Shavanah Taj, Wales TUC general secretary, Sinead Mcbrearty, CEO of Education Support, Ellie Harwood, Wales development manager for the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), and Laura Doel, director of NAHT Cymru.

Delegates will debate and agree key policy objectives on curriculum and assessment, ALN reform, accountability, wellbeing and funding.

Kerina Hanson, president of NAHT Cymru, said: “We welcome the Education Minister and thank him for joining us to hear the concerns of school leaders in Wales. It has been a tough couple of years for schools but our leaders have not hesitated to step up on behalf of our learners. It’s vital that they are offered the same support from government in return – especially as we enter the next phase of reform and recovery. Welsh Government rightly sets emotional and mental wellbeing at the heart of the new curriculum; it is essential that this remains a key priority for our education workforce too, as we find our way through the coming years.”

Laura Doel, director of NAHT Cymru, said: “The reform agenda for Wales is commendable but it is radical, and it must be managed carefully in order to ensure success. The disruption caused by the pandemic has had and continues to have a significant impact on our children and young people, as well as on our schools and their preparation for curriculum reform. It is vital that we work with the profession moving forward, listening to evidence and expertise, offering the support and resources necessary, and not inadvertently negatively impacting staff and learners by holding on to unworkable deadlines. Schools are under immense pressure – the government needs to do more to support them or it risks the system breaking down. We look forward to discussing all the issues facing education in Wales at our policy setting conference today.”