Issue - meetings

To submit the report of the Director of Education, Skills and Young People.

It was resolved to adopt the new Digital Education Strategic Plan (2025-2031).

The report of the Director of Education, Skills and Young People incorporating the Digital Education Strategic Plan was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

Councillor Dafydd Roberts, Portfolio Member for Education and the Welsh Language introduced the report as an important step in ensuring the island’s schools are digitally equipped for the future.

The Education Strategic Leader (Primary Sector) reported that the Education Digital Strategic Plan supports the development of a modern education system and focuses on five key areas – sustainability, connectivity, collaboration, professional learning, and data protection and digital resilience. The Plan reflects the Council’s values and is consistent with both the Council Plan and the Council’s Digital Strategic Plan. It is also aligned with Welsh Government’s priorities set out in the Curriculum for Wales. The Plan emphasises equality ensuring that every pupil, regardless of their background or location, has equal access to digital resources. It aims to reduce the digital divide between learners and supports all  learners in accessing online educational resources, giving every learner the same opportunity to succeed in school.

Councillor Dylan Rees, Chair of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee reported from the committee’s 10 December 2025 meeting which had reviewed the Digital Education Strategic Plan. The committee had noted the importance of the plan in developing a modern education system that meets the needs of current and future learners. Concerns were raised about potential cyber security and data management risks for schools as well as the challenges posed by limited funding for implementation. The committee sought assurances on these issues and on the provision of adequate support and training for staff once the plan is introduced. Following review, the committee recommended that the plan be accepted by the Executive.

The Chair confirmed that the Executive has committed to setting aside an annual reserve for digital equipment in schools, thereby ensuring the Council avoids a significant financial burden when devices need renewing.

Councillor Ieuan Williams, Portfolio Member for Highways, Waste and Climate Change highlighted several elements he would have liked to see included in the Education Digital Strategic Plan, such as a ratio of devices to learners to reflect the Council’s aspirations, and the expectations regarding the proportion of teaching staff achieving Microsoft or Google education related certification. He also proposed that the high level strategy be supported by a detailed action plan outlining how its ambitions will be delivered, at least for the first year. In addition, he suggested that, within the next six months, information on each school’s allocation – whether financial or in terms of devices – should be issued, along with a service level agreement setting out the standards of service schools can expect. Noting that the education digital hardware estate is larger than the corporate estate, Councillor Ieuan Wiliams recommended establishing a dedicated post to ensure effective delivery of the strategic plan and asked the Leadership Team to consider creating this role.

Officers explained that the Education Digital Strategic Plan is a high level document that will be supported by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7