Written - Outcome of the Review of Continuing Professional Development, Performance Management and Professional Standards

I am making this statement to provide an overview of the direction of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Performance Management (PM) and Professional Standards for educational practitioners (outside higher education) in Wales following the review that took place between September and December 2009.

High performing education systems have effective teaching, efficient support and strong leadership at their centre. Here in Wales, many thousands of children and young people benefit from the skills and knowledge of their teachers, training providers and support staff, and from exceptional leaders.

I want all our children and young people to have access to high-calibre practitioners to ensure that the learning they experience and the outcomes they achieve are the best they can be. I want to maintain the quality that we know is out there but, at the same time, aim for greater equity so that all learners receive the high standard of provision they need.

To this end, I instructed my officials at the end of last year to carry out a review of,

• the standards we have in place and whether they sufficiently define what we expect practitioners to know and to be able to do at a given point in their career;
• the performance management system and how well it identifies and addresses any gaps in practitioners’ knowledge and skills; and,
• the professional development available to practitioners and whether it is of sufficient quantity and quality to address gaps in knowledge and skills.

My officials will work with all involved in the initial review to examine and, where necessary, develop new descriptions of standards to ensure that all staff have a clear understanding of the knowledge and skills they need at each stage of their career and the knowledge and skills they will need to hone or acquire to improve or progress. 

The team will work with stakeholders to develop a clear model for all educational practitioners. The main focus will be on improving classroom practice and developing leadership skills.

I will make further announcements on the detail of the new processes in the coming months.