Powys schools were among 40 from across Wales who have shared their success stories at ERW’s conference.

The ‘Festival of Sharing Excellence’ took place at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, and featured schools from Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Swansea.

The aim of the event was to share the most effective strategies and practice within and beyond the region; enable teachers, school leaders and governors to share, learn and enjoy and be a networking opportunity for schools.

John Carnochan, an advocate of early years and parenting support, was the key-note speaker. A former detective chief superintendent in Strathclyde for almost 39 years and a member of the Scottish Government’s Early Years Task Force, his speech focused on working together and how partnerships at all levels can bring about change in the public sector.

The event was also used as a platform to launch the Cymraeg Campus Language Charter. Created by ERW Welsh in Education officers, the charter enables schools to increase the use of Welsh in English-medium schools. The charter consists of three awards – bronze, silver and gold. It has been piloted in 25 schools across the ERW region.

The Powys schools which attended included Gladestry Church in Wales Primary School, Crickhowell High School, Builth Wells High School and Priory Church in Wales Primary.

ERW managing director, Betsan O’Connor said: “The aim of our conference was for our teachers, governors and school leaders to come together to celebrate and share some of the great work that’s being done in our region.”

Eighteen breakout sessions were held, which included the following topics: supporting learners to access a comprehensive curriculum; building resilience and maintaining highly successful schools; whole school approach to developing digital competence; building capacity within and across schools to build a self improving system; successful strategies to improve continuation and maintain pupil performance and engagement – primary to secondary – all presented by schools such as Gladestry Church in Wales Primary School.

There was also a marketplace showcasing over 25 different providers in education.

ERW is an alliance of six local authorities (Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Neath Port-Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Swansea) governed by a legally-constituted joint committee.

The six local authorities work together to agree a regional strategy and business plan to deliver school improvement services.