KIRSTY Williams, Welsh education minister, has met a group of Conwy head teachers and business managers in a Llanrwst school to discuss a Government initiative.

She was finding out how schools within the area have benefited from the introduction of business support officers, whom she met with head teachers at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy.

Funded as part of the school business managers pilot scheme and the small and rural schools grant, the business support officers take on some of the administrative and organisational tasks head teachers would usually undertake.

During the visit Kirsty Williams also met pupils who spoke about their subjects and ambitions.

Kirsty Williams said: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to meet the business managers and head teachers and hear first hand the effects the programme has had on their schools.

“It is encouraging to see how Conwy has used its grant to provide additional administrative support and free up time for the head teachers of primary schools to focus on leadership and management.”

Delyth Williams Business Manager at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy said: “This scheme makes a real difference in schools. The introduction of business support officers has helped raise standards and has also been a big help in contributing to the sustainability of our small and rural schools.”