A severe staffing shortage is compelling Welsh-medium schools to take the unprecedented step of hiring teachers who cannot speak Welsh, a council meeting has heard. This marks a significant shift for institutions that traditionally enforce a strict Welsh-only policy in classrooms and playgrounds.
A Policy Contradiction in the Heartlands
Gwynedd Council, which governs an area where 76.3 per cent of the population can speak Welsh, has been forced to confront a 'huge problem' in recruitment. Councillor Dewi Owen, an independent who serves as a high school governor, highlighted the acute challenges in secondary schools, particularly in south Meirionnydd.
'I know it is contrary to Cyngor Gwynedd's policy - but what else can you do?' Cllr Owen stated during the meeting. He explained that schools have sometimes had to 'bend the rules' and appoint locally available, qualified teachers who are English-speaking, including some who have come out of retirement.
Balancing Language Preservation and Practical Needs
The council's head of education, Gwern ap Rhisiart, acknowledged the difficult position schools face. 'I know some schools have been forced into situations to appoint staff who are not necessarily Welsh speakers,' he said. However, he emphasised that such appointees are committed to taking Welsh language enrichment courses to promote its use.
This crisis emerges against a complex backdrop. Earlier this year, the same council announced plans to reduce English-medium lessons to 'bolster' the Welsh language, even proposing to scrap English lessons entirely in some cases. Nationally, the struggle to preserve Welsh is evident, with the 2021 census showing only 17.8 per cent of Wales' total population can speak the language.
Historical Context and Future Concerns
The tension between language enforcement and practical staffing is not new. In 2023, Ysgol Pen-y-Garth in Penarth was placed into special measures after inspectors found pupils 'turning to English naturally' and not having enough opportunities to 'celebrate their Welshness'.
Looking ahead, Gwern ap Rhisiart expressed worry about the trend. 'It does worry me, moving forward,' he told councillors. Despite the immediate challenges, the council insists there are plans to support both the language and teachers to promote greater use of Welsh in the long term.
The situation presents a fundamental dilemma for education authorities in Wales: how to maintain the integrity and growth of Welsh-medium education while ensuring schools have enough teachers to function.
