WIREDGOV

The conference, hosted by Governors Wales, focuses on the important role governors play in school improvement and aims to share the latest information and good practice on effective school governance.

As part of the conference, the Minister also presented representatives from successful governing bodies in North Wales who have achieved the Quality Mark Bronze Award with certificates to celebrate and reward their good practice.

The Minister also spoke about what the Welsh Government will do to support governors in their role. He said:

“I am very aware that you as governors need to be knowledgeable and properly trained to do your job effectively.

“Our Education (Wales) Measure 2011 allows Welsh Ministers to introduce mandatory training for governors on issues which we believe will have the most impact on raising standards in governance. These areas will be induction, training for chairs and working with head teachers on school performance data. The Measure also gives me the power to set the content of that training so that I have confidence it will be of the highest standard. “

The Minister outlined what the Welsh Government was doing to drive up school standards and called on governors to have their say on the new Education Bill, which was published for consultation in October. He said:

“Our legislative programme is giving you the opportunity to really make a significant impact on school improvement. Now you have the chance to have your say by shaping our new Education Bill, which covers vital areas including intervention for schools causing concern, school organisation and school improvement guidance.”