Terms of reference

The Cabinet Secretary values the teaching profession and recognises the importance of its involvement in policy discussions going forward. Members of this group will provide information that represent and reflect the views of the profession directly. Members will engage with the Cabinet Secretary in meaningful discussions on the issues and opportunities facing the education system, with a clear focus on developing solutions. 

Members of the Group will also work in supporting Welsh Government and specifically the Education Improvement Team (EIT).

The group will focus on the Cabinet Secretary’s priorities for education. The approach to education reform and improvement will aim to create a whole system that works for all learners. There will be a particular emphasis on mental health and wellbeing and the whole-school approach. This is fundamental to delivering a sustained improvement in attendance, educational attainment and closing the attainment gap for our most disadvantaged learners. A further priority is support for curriculum design, progression and assessment and ensuring teachers have the knowledge, resources and confidence to maximise the benefits of the curriculum. Alongside curriculum, implementation of a consistent approach to additional learning needs reform will be another important area of focus.

Across these areas, the group will consider policy development, strategic planning, programme implementation and evaluation, stakeholder engagement and emerging issues and trends within the sector.

The group will consist of experienced headteachers from a range of maintained schools in Wales, including a special school. It will include representatives from across Wales at any given time. No members are public appointments. 

Membership of the group will be for one year in the first instance. The Welsh Government may replace members or fill vacancies as necessary to maintain the group’s effectiveness.

• Attend and actively participate in meetings, to engage with the Cabinet Secretary on key priorities impacting schools and identify potential solutions.
• Support the EIT and advise wider Welsh Government education teams on key policies and priorities.
• Review and comment on relevant documents and reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of discussions and materials.
• Declare any conflicts of interest as soon as they arise.

The group will aim to meet once every half term. Meetings will be a mixture of in person meeting or via Teams. In-person meetings will be held in Cardiff or in Welsh Government offices across Wales. 

The Cabinet Secretary will meet with the group once every term to discuss key priorities and initial suggestions to address the priorities. 

A schedule of meeting dates for the group will be shared with members at the start of the academic year.

The Education Directorate will provide secretariat support to the group, including coordinating meeting logistics, preparing and distributing meeting agendas and materials, and recording and distributing minutes and action items.

An overview of the key discussion points will be published on the Welsh Government’s website at the end of each term.

The terms of reference will be reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant and effective. The Cabinet Secretary may amend the terms of reference as needed, in consultation with the group.

All members must adhere to confidentiality requirements regarding sensitive information. The group will operate transparently, and a summary of non-confidential discussions will be made publicly available.

Payment will be made at a rate of £300 per day to the members’ schools. Travel and Subsistence will be paid to members who attend meetings and also travel to support the role of the Education Improvement Team.

• Bethan Moore: Crownbridge Special School, Torfaen
• Betsan Llwyd, Ysgol Cwm Banwy, Powys
• Cat Place: Jubilee Park Primary School, Newport
• Catryn Lawrence, Ysgol Penrhyncoch and Ysgol Penllwyn, Ceredigion
• Christopher Parry: Lewis School Pengam, Caerphilly
• Damien Beech: Goetre Primary School, Merthyr Tydfil
• Edward Jones: Pencoed Comprehensive School, Bridgend
• Geoff Evans: Ysgol Y Strade, Carmarthenshire
• Hugo Hutchison: Monmouth Comprehensive School, Monmouthshire
• Huw Davies: Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, Anglesey
• Janet Hayward: Cadoxton Primary School, Vale of Glamorgan
• Jeremy Evans: Heronsbridge Special School, Bridgend
• Julian Kennedy: Olchfa School, Swansea
• Nicola Williams: Libanus Primary School, Caerphilly
• Olwen Corben, Ysgol Glanrafon, Flintshire
• Paul Keane: Federation of Blenheim Road Community & Coed Eva Primary Schools, Torfaen
• Richard Owen: Aberdare Community School, Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Ryan Davies: Brynteg School, Bridgend
• Stephen Thomas: Milford Haven Community Primary School, Pembrokeshire
• Trystan Edwards: Ysgol Garth Olwg, Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Ty Golding: Holton Primary School, Vale of Glamorgan