Wales to offer money to recruit more black, Asian and minority ethnic teachers

Financial incentives are to be offered to help recruit more Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic teachers in Wales.

Around 1.3% of school teachers in Wales identify as being from an ethnic minority background compared to 12% of students, according to the latest Annual Education Workforce Statistics.

In response to the study, and recommendations made by a working group advising on the creation of a new curriculum, the Welsh Government has published a new plan on Friday to promote teaching as a career among BAME communities.

The strategy, which will be adopted from 2022, includes offering monetary benefits to those who sign up to teacher training courses.

Similar incentive packages exist already to attract Welsh-medium teachers, and teachers for high demand subjects such as mathematics and the sciences.

Those running initial teacher education courses will also be required to work towards having a certain percentage of trainees from BAME backgrounds.

Education and Welsh language minister Jeremy Miles said: “It is simply not good enough that fewer than 2% of teachers are from an ethnic minority background.

“That is why we are launching this much needed plan, so that we have a workforce that better reflects the population of Wales.

“Importantly, increasing diversity in schools should not only apply to areas where there is a higher proportion of people from ethnic minority backgrounds, but across the whole of Wales.”

It comes after a new award for teachers or schools who celebrate diversity and inclusion in the classroom was created for the annual Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

The Betty Campbell Award honours the former head teacher of Mount Stuart Primary School and first black head teacher in Wales whose statue was unveiled in Cardiff City Centre in October.

Elaine Clarke, Mrs Campbell’s daughter, said: “Our mum was very passionate about education and pioneering a curriculum that ensured children had the opportunity to access and embrace a rich experience, reflecting their multi-ethnic identities and inspired them to achieve their dreams.

“To Betty, the impossible was always possible.

“The award is a wonderful way to promote inclusion of all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and we are sure the recipients will continue to inspire future generations in the footsteps of our mother.”