School standards not met due to 'training deficit', says union

Teachers have not had enough training to improve literacy and numeracy among schoolchildren, according to the National Union of Teachers in Wales.

Calling it a "training deficit", chair Neil Foden said that in some local authorities there was "no training" or support for staff.

His comments came after watchdog Estyn criticised the drive to improve literacy and numeracy in schools as "modest".

Mr Foden added more time was needed and the policy was headed in the right direction.

Education adviser to the Welsh government Prof David Reynolds agreed with Estyn that progress was not being made quickly enough.

However, he questioned the reliability and timing of the evidence gathered in the watchdog's report.