Written Statement - Future Delivery of Education Services in Wales

On 20 November I announced, via an Oral Statement, that the review into the Future Delivery of Education Services in Wales would be brought forward from autumn 2013 and officials would draw up the terms of reference for that review.

The primary aim will be to review the effectiveness of the current education delivery system, at the school and local authority level, and to consider what should be undertaken at school, local authority, regional and national level and the options for delivery with a focus on:

• Improving school performance;
• Raising standards and improving learner outcomes at all ages;
• Better support and challenge to schools to improve standards;
• Developing and strengthening the leadership of schools and the quality of teaching and learning;
• Ensuring value for money and effective use of resources; and
• Bringing about coherence and strong links between all areas of the education system, including post-16 provision and the wider children’s services agenda.

I have appointed Robert Hill to undertake the review.  Robert has wide experience of public services and education policy and practice.  His work includes periods as a policy advisor to the then Prime Minister Tony Blair and other Cabinet ministers, senior research manager for the Audit Commission, management consultant, social policy researcher and, more latterly, as an independent education consultant.

I will make an oral statement on the scope of the review on the 22 January.