Cyflwynwyd yr ymateb hwn i'r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg ar Bil y Gymraeg ac Addysg (Cymru)

This response was submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee on the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill

WLE 31
Ymateb gan: Cyngor Abertawe
Response from: Swansea Council  

We welcome the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill as it aims to support the Welsh Government's commitment to achieving one million Welsh speakers by 2050. The Bill addresses key gaps in language planning, establishes statutory targets and aims to strengthen the delivery of Welsh language education. All of this is welcomed.

Part 1: Promotion and Facilitation of Use of the Welsh Language 

The Bill’s statutory basis for promoting Welsh language use should ensure long-term commitment and accountability providing us with a clear direction of travel for years to come. The requirement for regular review of Welsh language standards is essential to ensure alignment with the evolving educational and societal needs.

Part 2: Describing Welsh Language Ability

The proposal to standardise how Welsh language ability is described (using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) addresses current inconsistencies across sectors. By creating a clear, measurable framework, which is way overdue, it allows learners, educators, and employers to assess language skills more accurately and will allow resources to be targeted in a coherent manner to support learners on their language journey.

Part 3: Welsh Language Education 

Establishing statutory language categories will strengthen local authorities' ability to monitor Welsh language provision but also ensures a national approach. The targets set for different school categories will help guide schools in increasing Welsh language education.

However, for this to be actioned, there will need to be clear guidance on how we measure the amount of Welsh (at least 10% of education provided in Welsh) as well as funding and training to ensure that local authorities and its schools can effectively manage the new approach with new targeted resource. Clear consideration should also be given on the potential administrative burden on school leadership teams of the requirement for all schools to have delivery plans in place. The increased accountability on schools to show progress on their language journey could also be seen as additional pressure on the profession.

Part 4: Planning Welsh Language Education and Learning

The introduction of a National Framework for Welsh Language Education should formalise coordination at a national, regional and local level. Local Welsh in Education Strategic Plans can align closely with national goals, ensuring consistent progress toward increasing Welsh language use across our settings and for all our learners.

Part 5: National Institute for Learning Welsh 

Creating a statutory body for lifelong Welsh learning would ensure that Welsh learners of all ages have structured and well-resourced pathways to fluency. The Institute’s role in workforce planning and innovation is crucial for embedding Welsh language learning across society and would support local authorities in the wider sense with creating and increasing the number of Welsh language speakers. We particularly welcome the focus on equality of access to Welsh language learning, particularly targeting underrepresented groups.

Part 6: General 

We welcome that the Bill ensures that all provisions will be phased in appropriately, giving schools and local authorities enough time to plan and implement the required changes to meet the new Welsh language education standards. This will need to be carefully managed given the other pressures across the education system and should not be underestimated.

Potential Barriers to Implementation

Workforce Availability: There is a clear need to upskill the existing teaching workforce to meet the demands of increased Welsh language provision, particularly in English-medium schools.

Resource Allocation: The financial and logistical costs of providing more Welsh-language teaching materials and training will require careful budget planning. Schools and local authorities may face challenges in aligning current resources with the Bill's requirements.

Financial Implications

Costs of Workforce Development: Significant investment will be required to train teachers to the necessary levels of Welsh proficiency. This includes the cost of ongoing professional development, Welsh language courses for teachers, and additional support for schools transitioning to higher Welsh-medium categories.

Support for Late Immersion Programmes: The financial burden of expanding late immersion programmes to accommodate students transitioning into Welsh-medium education later in their school journey will require sustained funding. We welcomed the targeted funding received in recent years in this area and sustained funding would allow each local authority to deliver an appropriate offer to meet their local needs.

Budget for National Institute for Learning Welsh: Establishing and running the Institute will require a substantial initial investment as well as ongoing operational costs. While the long-term benefits are clear, careful financial planning is essential to ensure the Institute's sustainability.