Powys County Council has announced the formation of an internal Accelerated Improvement Board aimed at strengthening the county's education services and improving outcomes for learners.

The new board, established by Chief Executive Emma Palmer, will oversee and accelerate the council’s efforts to drive education improvements.

The decision follows concerns about education standards raised by recent reports, including a recent damning Estyn inspection into education services in Powys.

The priorities for the new board, which will drive and accelerate council-led improvement in education in Powys, include:

• Support the development of strong and purposeful leadership and performance management of education improvement including a whole council approach to excellent education in Powys

• Provide robust review and input into the direction of educational improvements

• Problem-solve potential barriers to educational improvement and ensure these are addressed

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “We are committed to delivering exceptional education services that support our schools so that they can give our young people the best foundation for their future.

“The establishment of the Accelerated Improvement Board is a crucial step to achieving this. The board will ensure that we meet the recommendations outlined by Estyn while driving and accelerating improvements in our education services.

“I am confident that we will achieve the necessary improvements and provide the education and opportunities that the children and families of Powys deserve and expect."

The announcement of the Accelerated Improvement Board comes at a critical time for education in Powys. Recent Estyn reports have highlighted weaknesses in several areas, including the need for stronger leadership and more focused support for both pupils and schools.

In Estyn’s most recent inspection of the authority, it was found that Powys County Council was "causing significant concern". The education watchdog issued a series of recommendations to secure improvements, including tackling urgent school site security issues, strengthening leadership, and improving support for schools and pupils with additional learning needs (ALN).

Following the publication of the report, opposition groups called for a special meeting to discuss the crisis in education as well as calling for the resignation of Cllr Pete Roberts, the cabinet member for education.

It was then announced that an extraordinary council meeting to discuss the report will take place on Thursday, April 10.