AN ANNUAL spring breakfast hosted by Vale AM Jane Hutt has seen leading educationalists discuss investment in education in the Vale.

Speakers David Egan, professor of Welsh education policy at the University of Wales Trinity, St David, and Vale cabinet member for children’s services Chris Elmore led the discussion at the Cardiff & Vale College event, today. (Friday, March 21)

Catering students at the Barry campus served up the breakfast – giving them experience of the official food preparation needed for their college course.

Barry headteachers Mike Clinch, Kelvin Law, Rhydian Lloyd, and Phil Whitcombe attended alongside other guests.

Speakers focused on changes in education and the pupil deprivation grant due to come into effect from next month.

Cllr Elmore said his “grand design” for Barry was co-education for the pre-dominantly single sex Barry Comprehensive and Bryn Hafren secondary schools and a need to work with supporting organisations like Flying Start and Families First.

He added: “I really want to improve the relationship with the administration and the headteachers. I think I have done that to a point. There’s a genuine ambition to make sure children succeed in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Vale AM Jane Hutt said: “We must work together to celebrate education.”