Welsh-language schools forced to use English-only teachers

Welsh-medium schools are having to “bend the rules” and hire teachers who only speak English due to staffing shortages, a councillor has said.

Dewi Owen, independent councillor for Aberdyfi, told a Cyngor Gwynedd meeting that recruitment and retention of teachers in the county was a “huge problem”.

Owen, who is also a governor of Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn, said he was aware that having teachers who only spoke English was contrary to the council’s policy but added “what else can you do?”.

Gwern ap Rhisiart, head of education for Cyngor Gwynedd, said non-Welsh speaking teachers were still committed to following enrichment courses to promote the use of the language.

Speaking at an economy and education committee meeting on 11 December, Owen said: “Having enough teachers in our schools is a huge problem.

“I am talking here as someone from south Meirionnydd – it is a challenge to get teachers into our secondary schools.

“Sometimes we have had to bend the rules and bring in somebody who is only English speaking.”

Ap Rhisiart agreed, saying recruitment and retention of teachers was “a real problem”, adding the issue was not confined to Gwynedd.

He also cited issues around workload and pressure on teachers, particularly those required to teach subjects beyond their specialisms.

“In some areas such as Meirionnydd, I know some schools have been forced into situations to appoint staff who are not necessarily Welsh speakers.

“But they are committed to follow enrichment courses to promote use of the language,” he said.