Commenting on the Education Minister’s proposal that the inspection period for schools should be extended to seven years to allow Estyn to be fully involved in developing the new curriculum, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in Wales, said:

“The NASUWT’s notes the Minister’s concern for the workload of the Welsh inspectorate, the workload of teachers and schools merits equal concern during this period of radical change.

“Estyn, along with other stakeholders in the education system, has an important role in play in taking forward the development of the new curriculum, but it is teachers who have the experience of delivering a curriculum and understanding how children learn and make the best progress.

“In order for the new curriculum to be a success, it is teachers who should be at the heart of its development.

“The NASUWT would welcome the positive engagement of Estyn with schools on implementing the new curriculum. Unfortunately, Estyn’s approach to inspection has created a climate of mistrust which needs to be overcome before Estyn can play an effective role in curriculum change.

“Education Scotland, Estyn’s equivalent in Scotland, played a positive role in supporting schools with curriculum reform. It was only able to do so because it had the trust of the profession.”

Rex Phillips, NASUWT National Official Wales, said:

“The work to develop and design the new curriculum is fundamental to the future of the Welsh education system.

“Those who will be at the heart of delivering the curriculum must be at the heart of its development. The involvement of Estyn, the Consortia and other stakeholders must be additional to, not instead of, the direct involvement of teachers.

“Previously, the Minister said that the new curriculum should be built by the profession, for the profession. We expect him to keep to that pledge.”