The Estyn report on the National Centre for Learning Welsh has praised the organisation’s robust and decisive leadership, which keeps learners’ interests at the heart of all of its activity.
According to the report, the Centre has a “clear vision to transform the linguistic landscape of Wales by supporting learners to become users of the Welsh language,” thus contributing effectively to the Welsh Government’s aim of achieving a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Estyn notes:
- Since its inception, the Centre has developed to become an influential, national voice for the Learn Welsh sector.
- The Centre has succeeded in ensuring consistency in Learn Welsh provision across Wales, developing a convenient and accessible digital platform, which has enabled the sector to respond successfully to the pandemic.
- Work Welsh, the scheme to strengthen bilingual skills in the workplace, provides a broad and comprehensive offer and takes advantage of digital innovations.
- The Centre has a strong and constructive relationship with several influential partnerships, which contribute to ensuring continuous improvements to the quality of provision for learners.
The report highlights the sector’s “swift and effective response” at the beginning of the pandemic, with the digital platform enabling the sector to respond successfully by transferring provision online and introducing blended learning courses and a range of digital learning resources.
The Centre works with 11 course providers, which are also inspected by Estyn. Inspections show that learners’ standards and attitudes are consistently high across the sector, and that staff fulfil their roles with passion and conviction.
Efa Gruffudd Jones, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, says: “The Centre welcomes Estyn’s report which shows we make a real difference to Welsh learners and the Welsh language. The report recognises the major steps taken to ensure consistency across Wales and the proactive way we work with our partners and course providers.
“We feel very proud of this report, and I would like to thank everyone who’s played a part in achieving this progress across the sector. As we plan for our next phase, we take pride in a dynamic Learn Welsh sector, with high standards, which puts learners at the heart of its work.”
This report is a source of pride for everyone working in the Learn Welsh sector. I welcome the fact this report recognises the Centre’s key role in achieving the aims of Cymraeg 2050, and I would like to acknowledge the positive way in which the Centre has responded to the pandemic, maintaining and extending its valuable service to learners during this period. I would especially like to congratulate the Centre’s team for all their work in raising standards and ensuring consistency, aiming for excellence. Estyn suggests the Centre goes on to share best practises with other sectors and I look forward to facilitating this work.
Eluned Morgan, Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language
