Today, Estyn has published a report exploring behavioural challenges in further education colleges in Wales.
“As the report highlights, behaviour in education is a complex and changing challenge. There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on learners’ wellbeing, but this is only one part of a complex picture. Young people today are facing a multifaceted range of interlinking social challenges, set within a context of a cost-of-living crisis, and significant technological changes.
Estyn rightly highlights the brilliant work of many colleges to manage and improve behaviour whilst also challenging the sector to continue progressing. Colleges work tirelessly to ensure support their learners, with a wide range of pastoral support roles and models evolving in response to growing needs. Having specialist staff dedicated to pastoral care is central
to an effective approach to improving behaviour. Pastoral care is not optional - it is an essential part of college life. The work of specialist staff not only changes lives but saves them, and ensuring long-term funding arrangements for the college sector is critical to enable colleges to support learners.
The future of this support is at risk from a lack of long-term and sustainable funding. It is essential that Welsh Government and Medr find a solution to this challenge so that colleges can retain specialist staff and keep giving learners the support they need. College budgets remain under acute pressure, and today is an opportunity for Welsh Government and Medr to commit to addressing the challenges of short-term funding which hinders effective strategic planning as well as causing challenges in the retention of skilled staff. For too long colleges have been forced to navigate a succession of short-term funding pots. This report must mark a turning point and prompt new efforts to find a long-term funding solution.”
Further Information
Estyn
Learner behaviour in Further Education New report warns that behavioural challenges are increasing in FE colleges in Wales
1 May 2025
Estyn Report
Learner Behaviour in Further Education Colleges – Understanding, Supporting and Proimoting Positive Behaviour
1 May 2025
Rachel Cable, Director of Policy and Public Affairs
Rachel.Cable@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
