The Council has welcomed positive feedback from Estyn following an enhanced Local Authority Link Inspector (LALI) visit, which recognised the council's strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people, particularly those facing disadvantage or vulnerability.
The recent visit focused on the council's support for vulnerable children and young people, including those with additional learning needs (ALN), children educated other than at school (EOTAS), those in elective home education (EHE), and strategic planning for enhancing Welsh-medium education in the borough.
Inspectors praised the council's clear focus on reducing inequalities through its five corporate missions and The Blaenau Gwent Deal, which are underpinned by the Marmot principles and place early intervention and targeted support at the heart of service delivery. Estyn also highlighted strengthened joint leadership arrangements shared with Torfaen Council through federation.
The report recognised:
- Work to develop a more coherent and inclusive approach to ALN provision, including strong early intervention pathways, effective multi-agency working and the accessibility of specialist support services
- The support provided to all schools to work together on improving outcomes for learners
- Significant investment in specialist provision, including the expansion of capacity at Pen-y-Cwm Special School and the reconfiguration of learning resource bases, reducing the need for placements outside the county borough
- Innovative approaches to supporting pupils educated other than at school, including a Youth Service intervention pilot that helps learners with social and emotional needs remain connected to education while improving their wellbeing and confidence
- Improved oversight of learners being educated at home, and positive relationships with families
- A continued commitment to growing Welsh-medium education in the borough, including for learners with additional learning needs
The letter also contained areas identified for further consideration and improvements.
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said:
"We are pleased that Estyn has recognised the council’s commitment and our collaborative partnership approach that aims to support all children and young people to achieve their potential.
“It is particularly encouraging to see recognition of the inclusive work being done to support our most vulnerable learners. We are committed through our missions and being a Marmot council to reduce inequalities in our communities and ensure every child and young person has the best start in life and the opportunities to succeed for their future.
"There are some areas highlighted where we can further improve and we already have plans in place to address these, which was acknowledged by Estyn. We will continue working closely with our schools, families and partners to build on these strengths and deliver the very best outcomes for children and young people.”
You can read the full letter here.