Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education
There is to be an independent review of the implications of our education reforms for the future role of Estyn. It will be undertaken by Professor Graham Donaldson, starting this August and will report in early 2018.
The review has been commissioned by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales and he has written to me seeking my support for a review. I can confirm that I fully support the proposal so that we can continue to drive up standards in our education system.
The Chief Inspector wrote to me in a spirit of openness and transparency on this matter, recognising that our education landscape is rapidly changing and that this independent review can improve the work of the Inspectorate and to build on Estyn’s strengths.
I am pleased that Professor Graham Donaldson has agreed to take forward the review. He brings with him in-depth knowledge of the inspectorates, Welsh and international education systems and educational research and has a wealth of experience of conducting reviews of education systems around the world, including Australia, Portugal, Sweden and Japan.
He will present his report to me and the Chief Inspector. I expect the review to gather and analyse evidence on inspection, quality enhancement and accountability while supporting Estyn to refine and develop their practices.
It is the right time to conduct such a review, which will complement other initiatives such as our current post-compulsory education and training consultation: “Public Good and a Prosperous Wales – Building a reformed PCET system”.
The terms of reference for the review will be published shortly on Estyn’s website.