Plan to improve Welsh Language provision in Neath Port Talbot schools approved

Neath Port Talbot councillors have approved a plan to improve the planning and standard of Welsh medium education in the county.

The plan, known as WESP, outlines how the council aims to enable learners to develop their Welsh language skills so they can use the language confidently in everyday life.

It forms part of the council’s contribution to the Welsh Government’s target of a million Welsh speakers in Wales by 2050.

All local authorities in Wales must produce a WESP and Neath Port Talbot Council’s plan was developed through close working with partners including Neath Port Talbot schools, Menter Iaith, RhAG, Muddiad Meithrin, Neath Port Talbot College, Academi Hywel Dda Swansea University, the Urdd and the Welsh Government which has formally approved it.

At a meeting of Neath Port Talbot Council on Wednesday 28 September, councillors of all parties unanimously approved the publishing of the plan so it can move towards implementation.

Outcomes will include more nursery children/3 year olds receiving education in Welsh, more reception class children/ 5 year olds being educated in Welsh, more children continuing to improve their Welsh language skills when transferring from one stage of their statutory education to another, more learners studying for assessed qualifications in Welsh (as a subject) and an increase the number of teaching staff able to teach Welsh (as a subject) and to teach through the medium of Welsh.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Training, Cllr Nia Jenkins, said: “We are committed to supporting, expanding and promoting Welsh-medium education in Neath Port Talbot to develop learners who are fully bilingual.

“Our Welsh in Education Plan will play a big part in helping reach the Welsh Government’s ambition to see the number of people able to enjoy speaking and using Welsh in Wales reach a million by 2050.”