The Education & Skills Service Transformation Committee approved a new policy on the principles of pupil progression and a draft behaviour policy for schools. The committee also noted the work plan for the year.

Policy on the Principles of Pupil Progression

The committee approved the draft Policy on the Principles of Pupil Progression¹ for wider stakeholder engagement and subsequent refinement. Director of Education Helen Morgan-Rees highlighted the importance of establishing consistent expectations for pupil progression across Swansea schools. Cabinet Member Councillor Robert Smith echoed this sentiment, noting that the policy would provide a much-needed reference point for schools. Principal School Improvement Officer David Thomas explained that the policy aims to ensure that all children and young people make appropriate progress at a pace that meets their needs. The policy outlines key principles for teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum design, with a focus on developing skills, promoting Welsh language proficiency, and fostering positive attitudes. It also emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessment to support progression and inform pedagogy. Councillors discussed various aspects of the policy, including the concept of perseverance, the potential for schools to work with community businesses on growing projects, and the comparison of the curriculum with that in England. Councillor Sandra Joy raised a point about the consistent use of the term pupil and suggested considering learner for a wider age range, a suggestion that David Thomas agreed to explore with stakeholders.

Respect, Rights and Relationships Policy for Schools (Draft Behaviour Policy)

The committee approved the draft Respect, Rights and Relationships Policy for Schools, which serves as a draft behaviour policy. Helen Morgan-Rees stated that behaviour in schools is a topical issue and that the policy aims to equip staff with a consistent local authority policy and practical tools. Head of Vulnerable Learners Service Kate Phillips explained that the policy was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, including workshops with over 200 participants from schools, trade unions, Welsh Government, third sector organisations, and other agencies. The policy addresses key issues such as dysregulation, increased physicality, and the gap between home and school expectations, proposing responses such as early intervention, training, parental involvement, and consistent guidelines. The policy emphasizes a rights-based, child-centred approach, moving away from restrictive practices and focusing on de-escalation. Amendments were made to the policy following feedback from a workshop, including changes to wording to emphasize support for learners in showing respect and recognizing their rights, and to use facilitate instead of ensure for support from external agencies. Councillors discussed the policy, with Councillor Mike White inquiring about schools signing up to Rights Respecting Schools and provisions for supporting children awaiting referrals. Councillor Lyndon Jones MBE praised the stakeholder-led approach and the clarity of the policy. Councillor Sandra Joy and Councillor Robert Smith supported an amendment to the Principles of Behaviour section, suggesting that while learners should be supported to show respect, the expectation that they should show respect should remain. Councillor Robert Smith also highlighted the need for broader societal and Welsh Government support to address the complex issues contributing to challenging behaviour.

Work Plan

The committee noted the work plan for the year. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 April 2025, where the final report on the Policy on the Principles of Pupil Progression and the Annual Report 2024-2025 will be presented. Helen Morgan-Rees confirmed that the timeline for refining the pupil progression policy allows sufficient time for stakeholder engagement before the April meeting.