The National Centre for Learning Welsh has evolved into a “linguistic influencer” according to a recent inspection by Estyn, with a 33% increase in the number of unique learners since national figures were first published in 2017-2018.
As well as ensuring a range of courses aligned to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which provides a clear progression route for learners, the Centre is central to initiatives to normalise the use of the language.
In its inspection report, Estyn praises the increase in the rich range of specific-sector provision, which strengthens the use of the Welsh language in workplaces, as well as the work to increase the use of Welsh in communities and homes.
One of the Centre’s notable qualities is the way in which it works strategically to plan provision and opportunities to use the Welsh language through collaboration with a range of valuable partners.
Estyn says partners consider the Centre to be a cornerstone to fulfilling the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers strategy. They see it as advantageous that one organisation has the educational expertise and necessary strategic vision for successful linguistic planning.
As the Centre’s service has evolved, it has worked innovatively to develop programmes for the education workforce and young people, investing in digital provision. Estyn says managers aim ambitiously to ensure continuous improvement, and that they take robust action to manage the performance of the Centre’s Learn Welsh providers.
Estyn recommends the Centre continues to extend and share the expertise of the Learn Welsh sector, in terms of pedagogy and second language acquisition, to other relevant sectors to support Welsh Government’s aim of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Estyn also recommends that the Centre continues to innovate by facilitating linguistic planning activities that integrate new and reluctant speakers in initiatives to normalise the use of the Welsh language in their communities and their work
Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said, "The report is a source of pride, not only for everyone working in the Learn Welsh sector, but also for all of us who want to see the Welsh language flourish.
"Next week, I will introduce a new Welsh Language and Education Bill in the Senedd, to give every child in Wales a fair opportunity of becoming a Welsh speaker, regardless of their background and whatever school they attend. The National Centre for Learning Welsh’s successes in delivering a clear single learning pathway for learners have been central to our preparation of the Bill.
"Welsh belongs to all of us, and I’m proud to work with the Centre to achieve the target of one million speakers Welsh. Congratulations to the team and to all learners. Da iawn bawb."
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, has welcomed the report.
Dona says “The Centre’s work has evolved quickly. As well as mainstream classes in our communities, which are central to the provision, we have worked purposefully with key partners to attract new audiences and increase the numbers who enjoy learning and speaking Welsh.
“Our entire provision is based on a national curriculum, aligned with the CEFR, which supports and enables learners on their language journey. We look forward to acting on Estyn’s recommendations, continuing to extend and share our pedagogy and second language acquisition expertise in order to support Welsh Government.
“It’s wonderful that the Centre’s successful performance has been recognised by Estyn, along with our culture of developing the Centre’s work further, and all the activity of the Learn Welsh sector. I would like to thank the Centre’s staff and everyone working in the sector, for placing learners and new speakers of Welsh at the heart of everything we achieve.”
