UCAC education union has welcomed the proposal made by Welsh Government today to allow an extra INSET day each year for the next three years. The intention is for the extra day to be used to support the introduction of the new curriculum. A consultation on the proposal will be launched this week.

In addition, the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams AM outlines the way in which Welsh Government will take forward the recommendations contained in the Professor Mick Water’s report ‘Teaching: a valued profession which was published in September 2018. One of the most noteworthy developments will be the establishment of an Independent Commission to consider ‘re-imagining schooling’ – namely a fundamental rethink about ‘how we would change the school system to fit with modern and anticipated future life for families and communities.’

Rebecca Williams, UCAC’s Deputy General Secretary said “UCAC has been asking Welsh Government for some time when teachers and other school staff will be given the time to prepare themselves for the enormous task of introducing the new curriculum, with the fundamental changes it brings to preparation, teaching and assessment.

“An extra INSET day a year would be helpful, and certainly represents a step in the right direction – however it will clearly not be enough in and of itself.

“We welcome the other elements of the Minister’s statement outlining how the recommendations of the ‘Teaching: a valued profession’ will be taken forward. Establishing an Independent Commission to think openly and perhaps radically about the shape and structure of our education system is especially exciting. It’s good to step back and take a look at the big questions from time to time and we look forward to being part of those discussions.”