Too many schools in Powys have budget deficits and the council’s record in securing improvement in schools has been disappointing, according to an inspection report.

But overall education standards in Powys are good and some areas – including key stage three teaching – are the best in Wales, Estyn inspectors have said. The report also criticised Powys County Council.

It found decision-making and scrutiny processes at the education authority for Powys which covers 117 schools, were not effective enough.

Council chiefs have accepted the report – and admitted there are some areas where they “could do better”.

Powys is one of the first rural Welsh local education authorities to be inspected under Estyn’s new framework after Neath Port Talbot, Torfaen and Cardiff.

The report said: “The authority has been too slow in using its full range of powers to intervene to improve schools and/or their leadership teams and governing bodies.

“Elected members do not place enough emphasis on standards and too often put local concerns before the wider interests of learners.

“The authority’s track record in securing improvement in schools has been disappointing.”

Councillor Stephen Hayes, the council’s cabinet member for schools, said the report highlighted the authority’s many strengths as well as identifying areas for future improvement.

He said: “The county is committed to providing the best possible education for our young learners and the Estyn report will help us shape future service delivery to achieve our ambitions.

“We welcome the report and accept its recommendations and will be working with Estyn and our partners to develop an action plan to address areas identified for improvement.

“Like many school reports it says we could do better and we will.

“Work is already underway to strengthen key areas,” he continued.

Targets to address school deficits, surplus places and provide fit for purpose schools have already been agreed as part of the council’s Powys Change Plan 2011-2014.

Following the inspection the local authority is required to produce an action plan to address the recommendations which Estyn will monitor in 12 months time.

Details of the full report can be readily accessed on the Estyn website at www.estyn.gov.uk

By Anwen Evans