Jane Hutt: ...terms of tackling discrimination and barriers to the equality of LGBT people in Wales. Of course, as I’ve said, it is about us working closely together. Also, I think it’s about activities in schools, as well as workplaces, the community working along with our public services in tackling hate crime.
Jane Hutt: ...that we’re all accountable and accessible as Ministers to this Assembly are very important. Of course, you will have seen the written statement on curriculum reform from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, and of course she was very happy to deliver that written statement as quickly and promptly as possible in her new role. I think it’s very important that we see, and I know the...
Jane Hutt: ..., the whole team. He’s the highest scorer and certainly the star of the match and the tournament. To see him again is such a thrill for you and for us all, as well as his family. He’s a former school student at Whitchurch High School, and what a role model. So, I’m sure we’ll be celebrating and congratulating him in person in due course.
Jane Hutt: ...be aware that the statement on phase 1 implementation of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 was issued as a written statement yesterday. Similarly, the oral statements on school governing bodies, flood and coastal erosion risk management, and the road and street works strategy will be issued as written statements, and the debate on renaming the Assembly has been...
Jane Hutt: ...it up to see the most appropriate way that we can respond and also recognise that, of course, a particular issue is one aspect of the all-important responses across Government, not just in terms of education, but health and well-being as well, where we look at our response to autism.
Jane Hutt: ...of the report and I know the Cabinet Secretary will particularly want to focus on the points that you make in terms of progress, but also where more can be done, particularly in relation to the educational attainment prospects of looked-after children. The Cabinet Secretary will respond accordingly with a statement. I think all our Cabinet Secretaries, all of the Welsh Government and,...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Nick Ramsay. I’m sure the Gwent Music showcase was a tremendous display of talent and skill, but also of the professional expertise and commitment that went in from the music and education professions. And, of course, it would have been a partnership, I’m sure, with local government, as well as schools, and I know the Cabinet Secretary will be very interested to see the outcome...
Jane Hutt: ...we’ve made in our manifesto do build on the very strong platform that we’ve put in place to implement appropriate public health interventions. On to your second point about community-focused schools, this is something where there’s no question that we have to use our school facilities not only to benefit pupils’ families but also the wider communities. We also need to look at this...
Jane Hutt: ..., I know, we would all share. Indeed, I know that the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children is looking at the policies—it’s something that, actually, is shared across the Cabinet; the education Secretary, of course—in terms of tackling bullying. We have a week’s focus in November, usually, on tackling bullying. I think you mentioned cyber bullying, but, also, we know we...
Jane Hutt: ...issued a written statement on the additional learning needs Bill and, of course, has incorporated as well how we are going to take forward and handle issues relating to the all-important issue of education and young adults with additional learning needs, and also in particular in relation to autism. Now, on your second point, on epilepsy, of course, it is important, when we have events...
Jane Hutt: I’m sure the Cabinet Secretary will be very pleased to hear, and is very well aware of those very good results, particularly from those schools that have benefited from Schools Challenge Cymru in Swansea East, in your constituency, Mike Hedges. I know that the evaluation, of course, is being undertaken. It’s going to be concluded by next year and it’s going to be published in line with...
Jane Hutt: Thank you for those two questions, Darren Millar. On your first question I think it would perhaps be more helpful if you wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for education and skills to name those universities because, certainly, we are not aware that this would be the case. But if you have evidence, then of course the Cabinet Secretary would want to hear about them and put the record straight....
Jane Hutt: ...be aware, I’m sure, that there is a leaking gas main and this obviously requires an essential work. Of course, in terms of handling that, and the impact on business, the public, and travel to school and work, all those issues have been taken into account by the Cabinet Secretary for economy, infrastructure and skills. Clearly, we will be doing everything to mitigate the impact of that in...
Jane Hutt: ...Labour Government put social care as a forefront ambition. We also have to recognise that this is about how we’re ambitious with learning. We have invested an extra £100 million to drive up school standards, and introduced a new curriculum to give us the skills we need and promote teaching excellence. I’m delighted that Neil Hamilton welcomes the fact that we’re working towards 1...
Jane Hutt: ..., are looking forward to having the opportunity to scrutinise, to take forward what will be another piece of pioneering legislation, specifically focusing on those needs in terms of professional education.
Jane Hutt: ...m sure the Cabinet Secretary will want to put that into a written statement or perhaps in a letter to Members, as it was shared with a cross-party group. I think your points, again, about special education needs, and the fact that we are taking forward the ALN Bill, all strengthen the fact that this is going to be a huge opportunity, which, of course, will be subject to further...
Jane Hutt: ...to achieve a 50 per cent gender balance within the senior civil service by the year 2020, but we’re also making funding available to the Women Making a Difference balancing power project that’s educating and empowering women across Wales to have the skills, confidence and mindset to become leaders in their communities, and decision makers at all levels of public and political life. I...
Jane Hutt: Well, of course, the money and the support that we give to the Cardiff Medical School, part of Cardiff University, is clearly delivering outcomes, and is well supported by the Welsh Government. I know that there’s been a recent visit to the medical school, which I believe was very interesting, in terms of the discussions with those who are responsible for the medical school. But, of course,...
Jane Hutt: Llywydd, I’ve clarified the title of the education Secretary’s statement on the national strategy for small and rural schools this afternoon, and I’ve added an oral statement on employability to today’s agenda. Business for the next three weeks is as set out on the business statement and announcement found among the meeting papers available to Members electronically.
Jane Hutt: ...difficulties is important. We’re committed, and this is an opportunity to restate—as a Welsh Government, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in Wales has an opportunity to access our education system. Of course, where specialist provision is identified, Ministers do consider applications and make every effort to respond in a timely fashion. We always try to fund provision that runs...
