The Corporate Director Education and Family Support presented a report which updated Cabinet on the implementation and the progress of the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) 2022-2032.

He explained that Bridgends 5 year WESP was submitted to Welsh Government by the stipulated deadline of 16 December 2022, this was attached at Appendix 2. The Annual Report for 2022-23 was attached at Appendix 3. Background to the report was set out at section 3 of the report.

The Cabinet Member for Education thanked the Officers for the work that went into the report. He mentioned that many people in Bridgend may be critical that BCBC does not do enough for provision of Welsh medium education in Bridgend , however the work was evident in the reports presented today and can be seen across the borough over the last few years.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning & Regeneration asked how we ensure that there is adequate teaching provision to facilitate these new schools and that the quality of education is of a good standard.

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support explained that staffing had been a challenge particularly with regards to Welsh speaking ALN and STEM staff. Welsh Government have been working with schools to support younger learners in understanding the value of the Welsh language and the benefits to employment.

Officers from the Welsh in Education Forum sub groups spoke further on the operational work being done and answered further questions from the Cabinet.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the progress made and provided any feedback as necessary.