Concerns raised earlier this month about a lack of long-term vision for education in Wales were highlighted over six years ago but the findings were not made public.
BBC Wales has seen a confidential document from 2007 which details weaknesses in strategy and teacher training.
Hywel Griffiths reports.
(Oregon Coast) – Thursday’s brief storm on the coast created a spectacular array of moments and sights along the shoreline, and it brought more than a few tourists around to watch the tidal madness as well as the confused animals.Wind gusts were reported in the 90’s in some spots, while many others received them in the 70’s or 80’s. Although the big winds are gone, the stormy conditions haven’t quite disappeared, possibly bringing in some oddities like lightning or funnel clouds. 
In Yachats, Marsella Charron runs Yachats Wine Trader, which overlooks the already dramatic bay in the tiny town. “Yesterday we had some storm watchers in,” she said. “A few of them heard about the big storm and came over from Eugene to see it. One customer was a writer who is writing a novel that takes place during a hurricane. He was coming over to experience the storm and use it for inspiration.”
Big waves slam into the rocks near Depoe BayCarole Barkhurst of the Depoe Bay Visitors Center took it all in stride, and was more amused by the sights than anything. “We locals usually find the storms are not as great as we had hoped they would be,” Barkhurst. “This one gave us great wind bursts and periods of heavy rain, but all in all it was only just a medium storm. The birds were really fun in this one as they seemed quite perplexed and were frequently flying back and forth instead of south. The pelicans especially were confused.”
In Seaside, Mike Exinger of Zinger’s Homemade Ice Cream was also amused as he watch the Seaside High School homecoming parade slink down Broadway. “We were outside watching just as the skies emptied,” Exinger said. “All the kids were riding in open trucks and floats - which took on a new meaning - and were totally soaked. Since the team hasn’t won a game all year, this could be an omen.”Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
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The National Weather Service has issued some unusual warnings for western Oregon, including the coast and coast range, partially because of a small tornado that touched down near Hubbard on Friday. An unstable air mass over southwest Washington and northwest Oregon is still quite unstable on Friday night, posing the risk of a funnel cloud or tornado, as well as dangerous lightning. Flashes of lightning have already been seen all evening in the Portland area and to the west, near the coast range. The NWS says the “risk of a funnel cloud will continue there” throughout Friday night.
Hail is also possible, as well as gusts up to around 30 mph. The NWS also urges the public to watch out for lightning that ends up directly above them. 
With continued blustery weather and rain, a high surf warning has also been issued for the Oregon coast, which means enormous swells and officials telling people to stay off the beaches.“Storm-watchers need to be very cautious about where they go to observe, remembering that winds with big gusts could send pieces of the beach toward one and/or one's vehicle,” said Newport beach expert Guy DiTorrice. “Smart to stay off the beach, opting for a higher, safer point for observing. Remember that we lost a couple tourists last year who were sitting on a sandstone headland undercut by huge waves taking them out to sea.”
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. http://www.dsandsmotel.com/. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.
Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). http://www.archcaperentals.com/ 866-436-1607.
STARFISH POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com
Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.atcannonbeach.com/.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.theoceanlodge.com/
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(Oregon Coast) – Oregon authorities have issued a strong warning to keep humans and pets away from all sea lions found on any Oregon coast beach, as they could become infected by a disease that’s hitting the population in this area.The disease is called leptospirosis, and it’s infecting California sea lions in enormous numbers, something made worse the by fact there’s a huge boost in the population of California sea lions in this area. It often kills them and their bodies wash up onshore. The disease can spread to humans and dogs who come in contact with an infected sea lion.Jim Rice, an Oregon State University scientist who is leader of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, issued the warning over the weekend. He said there have been multiple calls each day about sick or dead sea lions. Many have tested positive for leptospirosis.
The carcasses of these animals are being sent to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.It doesn’t take direct or extremely close contact to catch the disease from an infected sea lion. The disease can be transmitted by feces or urine left in the sand by one of the creatures.The illness is quite dangerous to humans and can cause death.When a mammal like a sea lion or seal washes up onshore – dead or alive – the Marine Mammal Stranding Network deals with it, posting signs to keep away until state park officials can remove it. Network officials say to keep well away from the creature, and make sure your dog is on a leash and cannot go near it.
Sea lion on the north coast (photo courtesy Seaside Aquarium)Persons seeing dead or sick marine mammals on Oregon beaches are encouraged to call the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.Jane Holbrook, a volunteer for the network, had no exact number yet as to how many California sea lion bodies were recovered, and how many of those were infected. Necropsies are still being performed on every creature brought in.Holbrook said she’s encountered more sea lions that have died than not, however.
Sea lion on the north coast (photo courtesy Seaside Aquarium)“I’ve had several over the last two weeks that have expired,” Holbrook said.So far, the public has been quite willing to keep their distance and obey signage, especially with all the press these incidents have received.“Most of the time they’re pleased to stay away,” Holbrook said. “They know there’s the potential for illness.”Holbrook wanted to reiterate that even though there are special circumstances right now, it’s still illegal to go near them or disturb them when they’re resting on the beach – whatever mammal is found.“The law requires that you stay away from all these animals,” Holbrook said.
Sea lion on the north coast (photo courtesy Seaside Aquarium)Keith Chandler, manager of Seaside Aquarium, is the leader of the north coast squad from the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. He said that so far there haven’t been any incidences of California sea lions with the illness on the north coast.“The central coast has just gotten hammered,” Chandler said. “And so has California. But we’re treating every animal as if it could be infected. We’re erring on the side of caution.”There was one incident of a sea lion on the north coast that was suspicious, but a subsequent necropsy revealed no leptospirosis.Chandler said he has definitely seen a big spike in California sea lions on the north Oregon coast. “A lot more younger ones,” Chandler said. “Ten years ago, we’d hardly see the younger California sea lions, mostly adults. And they’re coming onshore a lot more because of the heavy seas. They need to rest more.”Chandler said there’s more of them coming up from California because they’re looking for food. Those great numbers haven’t hit on the north coast yet, but he expects it to do so at any time.Tourist attractions like Sea Lion Caves or Oregon Coast Aquarium will not pose a risk to humans, as the sea lions are not touchable by the public. At the aquarium, it is a closed population and the disease can't reach there.Seaside Aquarium does not have any sea lions. Also, the disease has so far only affected one species of sea lion.Below is a video of a recent sea lion stranding in Lincoln City, which eventually died.More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....