Urgent and radical changes needed to education service

The leading opposition on Powys County Council has demanded urgent and radical changes to the county's education service following what they described as a "damning" Estyn report published on 27 March.

Opposition Group Leaders wrote to Council Leader Cllr James Gibson-Watt requesting an extraordinary meeting after the education watchdog's findings were made public. The Independent Group also called for both the Leader and Portfolio Holder, Cllr Peter Roberts, to consider their positions in light of the report.

An extraordinary meeting has now been scheduled for Thursday, 10 April, where councillors will discuss the report's findings.

Cllr Beverley Baynham, Joint Leader of The Independent Group, welcomed the forthcoming meeting: "We are very pleased the Leader has approved this request and an extraordinary meeting of Powys County Council has been scheduled."

She emphasised the group's connection to local education, stating: "Every member of the Powys Independent's is a governor in their local school, with some a member of the governing body at more than one school. We all have first-hand knowledge of the hard work headteachers, teachers, staff and governors do, and the support received from parents and local communities."

The opposition has expressed particular concern about Ysgol Maesydderwen in Ystradgynlais, which has reportedly been placed in special measures following Estyn intervention.

"We need radical transformation, and we need it now," said Cllr Baynham. "We have a duty to ensure the children of Powys receive the education they deserve."

The Independent Group confirmed they look forward to hearing from Portfolio Holder Cllr Peter Roberts at the upcoming extraordinary meeting.