Agenda item

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

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 operational plans that will outline the delivery steps. The plan will be implemented in partnership with the IT service and will be overseen by a steering group with an annual progress report and review.  Officers noted that further reflection and engagement with schools will take place to review the current provision, assess its effectiveness including device to learner ratio and determine future investment and priorities. Any changes in use or approach will be factored into the financial forecasting. Officers also highlighted the existing support available to schools in relation to professional learning, specialist advice, and wider network of digital facilitators and technicians.  It was emphasised that the service has a strong skills base and a clear direction for development.

The Director of Education, Skills and Young People further confirmed that a draft service level agreement has been circulated to schools and is referenced in the strategic plan.

The Chief Executive stressed that, despite ongoing financial pressures, the Council is committed to the education digital strategic plan and has demonstrated this through annual investment in recent years to keep pace with a rapidly evolving landscape. He acknowledged that the financial situation continues to be challenging and that digital requirements need to be fully discussed and understood and plans developed for the next two to three years. He explained that the strategic planning approach is intentional, and combines both strategy and delivery, ensuring the efficient use of resources, clear leadership through a lead officer and annual reporting on progress. Detailed considerations sit with the service and portfolio member where challenge and discussion take place, and the outcomes of that process inform strategic and financial decision making.

The Executive acknowledged the points raised. It was noted that financial considerations and concerns will be addressed through the budget setting process. Members also recognised the importance of schools having robust IT systems and sufficient capacity as digital assessment methods are more widely introduced.

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