Julie James, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
In a Statement that the previous Minister for Education and Skills issued in June 2013, he advised Members of the action that is being taken to address the shortcomings identified during the inspection of education services for children and young people in Merthyr Tydfil. He said that we would keep Members informed of progress in respect of establishing a Recovery Board to support the authority.
The Merthyr Tydfil Recovery Board has met every 6 weeks since October 2013 and is making steady progress to facilitate the authority’s recovery from Special Measures.
I will continue to keep the structure and membership of the board under review as their work progresses; I uphold the commitment made by my predecessor that should there be a need to augment the board membership I would move to add additional members to this small taskforce as quickly as possible. Having reflected on the current structure and membership I now believe that a further board member is required.
As such an additional member of the Board was appointed in February. This will further strengthen the knowledge, expertise and experience of the Board. Mrs Eithne Hughes OBE who is headteacher of Ysgol Bryn Elian in Conwy will therefore join the board.
I will continue to keep colleagues updated as progress is made.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.