Commenting upon today’s announcement that First Minister Rhodri Morgan will be stepping down later this year, David Evans, Wales Secretary of the NUT, the largest union for qualified teachers in Wales said;

“By any measure, Rhodri Morgan has been good for Wales and has overseen developments in education that will stand us in good stead in years to come.

“We have always enjoyed good relationships with the First Minister and those he has appointed to be Education Ministers in the 10 years of his office. It is important that opinions and views are listened to and acted upon. We have seen that take place during this administration in many of the areas and policy initiatives within education.

“Education is one of the areas in which Wales has developed its own policies to suit our own needs and circumstances. Key initiatives such as Learning Pathways, Welsh Baccalaureate, the abolition of SATs and the groundbreaking Foundation Phase have been warmly welcomed within the education sector and looked upon enviously by others beyond our borders. Successfully leading the Welsh Assembly Government during that period of change is a significant achievement and one that we congratulate him for.

“NUT Cymru wish Rhodri Morgan good luck for his future and look forward to working with his successor. There remain many challenges ahead not least the question of the future funding of education in Wales - that remains a concern.”

Contact David Evans, NUT Cymru, Tŷ Sinnott, 18 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ. Tel: 02920 491818. Mob: 07815 071164 e-mail: cymru.wales@nut.org.uk