Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
From today maintained schools, further education colleges and local authorities can apply to Welsh Ministers to temporarily suspend or modify requirements of education legislation for the purpose of implementing innovative projects that may contribute to raising standards under the ‘power to innovate’.
I want to ensure that no opportunity is lost to trial innovative ideas where they have the potential to stimulate system wide change, raise standards and improve outcomes for pupils and learners.
That is why I have commenced the Welsh Ministers’ powers to facilitate innovation and I would encourage school staff, governing bodies and local authorities to think creatively about how we can raise standards and improve outcomes right across our education system.
There are no preconceptions as to the type of proposal that may be trialled, although applications must demonstrate how a proposal would raise educational standards. If a proposal is agreed, a time-limited order of up to three years, with a possible one-off extension for up to a further three years, will be made allowing the trial to proceed.
Guidance to support applicants has been published today and further information can be found online.