Medr response to Estyn’s thematic report on the Independent Living Skills (ILS) Curriculum in Further Education

Medr welcomes the Estyn thematic report on the Independent Living Skills (ILS) Curriculum in Further Education Institutions (FEIs). We accept the findings and recommendations as they relate to Medr.

The thematic was commissioned by Medr in August 2024 following extensive engagement with the sector, during which a number of priorities for improvement were identified. Since Estyn’s 2017 thematic report, the sector has made notable improvements to how the ILS curriculum is delivered, with a strong focus on responding to learner needs. This thematic was commissioned to ensure effective changes have been made and to strengthen a consistent offer for learners across Wales. Medr’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines our commitment to promote a person-centered approach to supporting learners with Additional Learning Needs, alongside a strong focus on increasing participation. This thematic will help guide our collaborative efforts with the sector as we move forward in developing a strengthened ILS provision.

Prior to the commissioning of the thematic, Welsh Government (prior to transfer of relevant functions to Medr), in partnership with the sector, had already identified the need to update our ILS specifications to better reflect a person-centred curriculum, in line with the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018. Medr, therefore, welcomes Estyn’s first recommendation to revise the specifications, and values the evidence provided to inform this work. This commitment is embedded in our Operational Plan, and all changes will be made collaboratively with the sector. Providing clear guidance to support understanding will also be a key part of this process, helping to strengthen the revised specifications (R2).

More broadly, our Strategic Plan outlines our commitment to promoting a person-centred approach for learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). As part of this, we aim to support Welsh Government in addressing relevant recommendations (R3–R5) through our continued engagement in relevant working groups and providing information and advice regarding ALN implementation in the tertiary sector. Medr will engage with Local Authorities where appropriate to explore areas requiring additional support in the post-16 space (R12–R15).

Medr will work with FEIs to ensure that information on their websites is accessible and clearly reflects the support available to learners (R10), and undertake a monitoring exercise during 2026 to review progress. Alongside the publication of updated specifications and guidance, we will also work with the sector to explore the professional learning activities needed to support the effective delivery of the revised curriculum (R7).  We will explore the potential to use professional learning funding to support these activities.  We recognise the importance of supporting FEIs to continue developing the curriculum in ways that ensure equitable access for learners across Wales.

We are pleased that Estyn has recognised notable improvements across the sector since the last review. We look forward to working with the sector and relevant partners to address the recommendations and further strengthen provision, ensuring a consistent and high-quality offer for learners with Complex Needs across Wales.