Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
As I informed members previously the work on the development of the national model work has been completed and I have accepted the new National Model. The WLGA and council leaders have also accepted the principles and structures outlined in the model and have given me their collective commitment to the model.
Following the publication of the national model further work has been undertaken to ensure that the National Model is operational from 1 April 2014. As part of this I received the first of what will be annual business plans from consortia in February. Having now analysed these plans I am pleased to inform members that progress has been made and consortia are adhering to the National Model. However I have today written to each consortium identifying areas for improvement and reminding them that I expect pace and urgency moving forward.
My Department will continue to work closely with consortia to monitor the implementation of these business plans and to ensure that the model is implemented during the year. They will also ensure that the areas for development which I have identified are addressed as a matter of urgency.