Senior managers do not address the issue of underperforming staff in their school because professional relationships are "too cosy", the Estyn annual report has revealed.

Ann Keane, Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales, suggested that standards of leadership within schools are often "uneven" and sometimes when a school is judged "good" overall, teaching standards in some areas are still poor, Wales Online reports.

"Leaders, including governors, in schools and in local authorities need to play a more active role in tackling under performance more systematically," Ms Keane stated."We found that in around a quarter of schools, headteachers and governors do not monitor performance carefully enough or challenge how well teachers and pupils are performing. Teachers and managers need to plan lessons more effectively to develop pupils' literacy and numeracy skills in all subjects. Our follow up inspections mean we will have a pro active role in ensuring improvements do happen."

She added: "If you are a successful school and there is no room for improvement, you will not hear from us in the six years between each inspection, but if you have areas for improvement, we'll come back quicker."

The Estyn report went on to suggest that almost half of Wales' schools will need extra support and monitoring to ensure acceptable standards. Overall, 25 per cent of schools will require follow-up visits from Estyn, with a further 20 per cent of schools subject to closer scrutiny from Local Authorities. Currently there are six Welsh schools in Wales that require "special measures".

"I think it's important to keep the balance and make sure children are still learning the basics. Reading and writing is still a problem and it is a challenge for schools to get it right. Understanding information in the context of all subjects in the curriculum is crucial and we need all of the teachers planning as well as the good ones." Ms Keane stated.

Dr Philip Dixon, Director of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) Cymru said teachers share the concerns around numeracy and literacy, but described Welsh councils as the "weak link" in Wales' education system.

"The Chief Inspector has given schools and colleges much to celebrate. She points out that Wales has some world-leading schools, and standards across Wales are good," he stated. "It is very heartening to see that the Foundation Phase is developing well and having such a positive impact. It is more disturbing to read that literacy and numeracy are still issues, but teachers share the Chief Inspectors concerns about those vital areas."

"However, the real weak link in the education system has been clearly exposed: local authorities simply are not good enough. While 80 per cent of primary schools are good, and 66 per cent of secondary schools are classed as such, barely 29 per cent of local authorities are deemed to be good. Some schools have been judged excellent, but so far none of our local authorities have been judged so."

"Our education system has to be the best it can be because our young people deserve no less. The Report is a wake up call to local Government to get its house in order, and quickly."

David Evans, General Secretary of NUT Cymru, said it was important to remember the good work of teachers against a backdrop of "perennial underfunding".

He added: "We will continue to work with our members to ensure every effort is made to continue to offer the highest standards possible, as well as working with the Welsh Government to address any failings relating to their approach to the sector."

A Spokesman for the Welsh Government said Education Minister Leighton Andrews' 20 point action plan was specifically designed to raise standards and performance across the board: "We know that there is a lot of good practice that exists in education, and if we are to improve that needs to be shared at every level," he said.

"Consistency and high performance are essential in ensuring our young people benefit from the best standards of education in Wales. We thank Estyn for their annual report which identifies where we have been successful and where the education sector in Wales needs to raise its game."

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