Monmouthshire County Council has been praised by Estyn for the positive difference it is making for children and young people across the county.

Cllr Laura Wright, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This is fantastic feedback and a real credit to our schools, services and young people. Estyn’s findings show that our inclusive, values-led approach is working. From early years onwards, we’re focused on helping every child and young person feel safe, supported and able to thrive. I want to thank all our education staff across Monmouthshire for their dedication and the vital role they play in helping children and young people succeed.”

The praise follows an Estyn inspection conducted in November 2025. Inspectors highlighted strong leadership, a clear vision built on fairness, openness and kindness and positive relationships across schools and services.

Monmouthshire Autism in Schools and Settings (MASS) programme was spotlighted as an area of outstanding practice. MASS understands autism as a difference, not a deficit. It takes a strengths-based approach, promoting understanding and celebrating every individual’s potential and achievements. Autism Champions in every school continue to help us to develop and improve the way we support our learners with autism.

Estyn also praised Monmouthshire’s inclusive approach to Additional Learning Needs (ALN). This has notably improved since the last inspection in 2020 and helps more learners stay in mainstream schools within their own communities, with early support and a person-centred approach.

The council’s Youth Service has also received strong praise for its inclusive and innovative work supporting young people’s confidence, resilience and life skills. Inspectors were particularly impressed by Youth Voice, including the “Make Your Mark” ballot, where almost three-quarters of 11–18 year olds took part in 2025. Three Youth Service projects were spotlighted by Estyn for their excellence in mental health support, participation and planning.

Safeguarding was also described as a clear strength across the board, with effective systems in place to identify and respond to emerging risks. The Team Around the School (TAS) model was also praised for stepping in early and helping deliver lasting improvements.