Welsh children appeal for Welsh drivers to slow down
A report has shown that more than three-quarters of children want 20mph speed limits placed near their home or school
Too many empty places in schools across Wales
The number of empty places in schools across Wales has risen over the last 5 years according to a report by the schools' watchdog Estyn.
More details of new Education Bill
New Education Bill gives Minister power to 'direct' schools, local councils power to intervene and freedom to re-organise schools
Live updates
Science assessment in Welsh schools 'isn't robust enough'
Science lessons in most Welsh schools are good but assessment isn't robust enough, according to school inspectors.
Estyn also says sometimes, in primary schools, teachers pass on their science misunderstandings to pupils.
The Welsh Government welcomes the report which it says is broadly positive.
Concerns school closure is 'too drawn out'
– Spokesperson for the Welsh GovernmentOur concern is that, given Estyn's recent inspection report, the timeframe of Llanrumney's closure is too drawn out and does not ensure the closure quickly enough.
We are consulting on this and welcome views as part of that consultation process. We hope that parents and pupils can understand why we will not tolerate schools that are failing and where the situation is irredeemable.
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Protest over closure of Llanrumney High School
Parents and pupils at Llanrumney High School will gather outside the Senedd later to protest against its planned closure.
Yesterday, the Welsh Government's consultation which sought views on whether the school in Cardiff should close this August ended.
The school was put into special measures by the school inspectorate Estyn last year. A previous proposal was to close the school in August 2014 but the Welsh Government is looking to bring that forward to this summer.
The suggestion is that all pupils attend Rumney High School instead, or another school that parents prefer.
The move has been met by opposition with more than 550 people signing a petition against the plans. Campaigners say the move "will effect the pupils education and their confidence."
For more education stories from across Wales click here.
Children campaign for lower speed limits
Children are campaigning for a 20mph speed limit around schools as research reveals that one in four have been hit or nearly hit by motorists.
Welsh children appeal for Welsh drivers to slow down
by Dean Thomas
A report has shown that more than three-quarters of children want 20mph speed limits placed near their home or school
Read the full storyToo many empty places in schools across Wales
The number of empty places in schools across Wales has risen over the last 5 years according to a report by the schools' watchdog Estyn.
Read the full storyAdvertisement
Call for councils to take action on surplus school places
Schools inspectorate Estyn is urging local authorities to cut the number of empty places in classrooms, saying that money is being wasted.
It says no local authority is achieving the government's targets of no more than 10% surplus and the number of unfilled places has gone up in the last five years
– Ann Keane, Chief Inspector, EstynDespite the removal of some surplus places, local authorities have been slow to identify and complete projects which could lead to significant savings.
More work needs to be carried out by local authorities and the Welsh Government to assess the financial and education impact of previous school rationalisation schemes .
'Better sun advice needed', Welsh Government told
An Assembly Committee report is urging the Welsh Government to improve the way it promotes its sun protection guidelines for schools.
The inquiry, by the Children and Young People Committee, found that while guidelines did exist, more needed to be done to promote awareness of the guidelines and to encourage development of individual school policies.
– Welsh Government spokespersonWhile there is guidance on safeguarding children in education there is nothing that would prevent schools from applying sunscreen.
It is up to individual schools to determine their own policy and procedures in respect of sun safety which ensures the welfare of their pupils."
Welsh Government intervention in schools 'last resort' - Education Minister
Education Minister Leighton Andrews has told AMs that intervention in failing schools by ministers should be up to local authorities not Welsh ministers. He told Shadow Education minister Angela Burns that the intention of his Schools' bill was to encourage local authorities to act.
Mr Andrews acknowledged that 'there may be circumstances' where a ministerial intervention is needed but he said they should be rare.
Teachers' union welcomes Schools Bill but fears it could become 'green light' to intervention
NUT Cymru says there's 'much to welcome' in the Schools Bill which it says 'will hopefully lead to significant improvements across a number of areas within the school system.' Policy Officer Owen Hathaway adds
Where we exercise caution is in relation to proposals around interventions in schools by local authorities. What we would like to see is a system of cooperation and collaboration between parents, schools and the local authority to ensure that any school which requires assistance is given the necessary support. There must also be agreement on what assistance is required and the challenges which currently exist.
What would be a cause for concern is if this Bill was used by local authorities as a green light to intervene when they may not understand the challenges faced by a particular school, or may not have the capacity to offer the support needed.