Estyn report shows need for radical rethink to benefit poorest pupils - Randerson (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

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Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire <post@cwsplibdems.org.uk>

Estyn report shows need for radical rethink to benefit poorest pupils - Randerson

January 27, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Education Minister, Jenny Randerson AM has called for a radical rethink of schooling for underprivileged children after the annual Estyn report showed children from the poorest backgrounds are still underachieving at school.

Jenny Randerson said: "It is clear from this report that the bare bones of our education system are improving, with progress in many areas, but we are again seeing this solid link between poverty and underachievement. No Government has ever been able to break this, least of all this one.

"I am determined in my new role as Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Minister for Education that we will develop a policy which breaks this link forever. That could mean looking at a system where so-called 'pupil-premiums' mean extra funding follows the poorest pupils, or extra targeted investment in the very poorest schools.

"Through all the years of increases in funding, this shameful system has never been broken and that must change."