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Ensuring pupils have access to computers and the internet; closing the attainment gap for low-income family children; and more support for post-16 students are key goals of the council’s new education strategy.

Senior councillors approved Caerphilly County Borough Council’s new three-year strategy, which is described as the “pursuance of excellence”, at a meeting on Wednesday, November 30.

A report presented to cabinet revealed that around 30% of pupils in the county borough are living in the most disadvantaged areas in Wales. Cabinet member for education, Cllr Carol Andrews, said there is a commitment to “those who are most vulnerable” in the strategy.

Improving digital skills by ensuring all pupils have access to computers and Wi-Fi, is another objective in the strategy. The report states those living in poverty could be “digitally excluded”.

More support for over 16-year-olds deciding their next steps after school is also highlighted.

Part of the council’s plan is to expose children to career guidance from an early age – at the age of three.

Pupils were consulted as part of the strategy and some of the suggestions they made were more opportunities to learn outside, lessons on relationships, and sessions on financial management.

At the meeting, Paul Warren, strategic lead for school improvement at the council, said other recommendations pupils raised were a broader curriculum, practical experiences, and learning life skills for the future.

Council leader Sean Morgan said it gave him “great comfort” that school children were involved in assessing the curriculum.

The strategy was unanimously approved by the cabinet members.