Joyce Watson: We move on now to item 8, Plaid Cymru debate, the cost-of-living crisis—the effect on schools and children. I call on Sioned Williams to move the motion.
Joyce Watson: ...for those young people to vote. For example, they said, to trial automatic voter registration, the avoidance of scheduling elections in exam periods, and by locating voting or polling stations in schools or colleges. So, I'm keen to know if the Welsh Government have given any attention to those particular recommendations. But I think it's important to mention the UK Government Elections...
Joyce Watson: First Minister, what I would like to hear from you is a big 'thank you' to the teachers who have kept the schools open, very often in difficult circumstances because of reduced numbers, and also a request, ahead of the shops reopening under greater restrictions, for some respect for those retail workers, so that we don't go into 2022 with the same awful stories of retail workers being subject...
Joyce Watson: ...First 1000 Days programme, and with consistent investment in perinatal mental health services, which you've mentioned. The Welsh Government's latest update on this to the Children, Young People and Education Committee set out the good progress that has been made on bereavement support, but is there an update on what is being done to improve psychological support for neonatal parents as...
Joyce Watson: ..., and stand up and be counted, as I'm sure many men will here. I ask the Welsh Government to work across all communities to engage with all voluntary, public sector and youth organisations to educate and also enforce action to end this crime. Thank you.
Joyce Watson: Thank you, Minister, for that answer, and I do welcome the Welsh Government's commitment to putting sustainability at the forefront of education policies and their commitment to closely involving pupils in designing their learning environment. I had the honour of seeing first hand how engaged pupils become when they are involved in projects that directly impact their learning environment,...
Joyce Watson: 2. How are the Minister's education policies contributing to the Welsh Government's net-zero target? OQ57157
Joyce Watson: I'd like to call Tom Giffard, who's going to make a 90-second statement on the International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School, including cyber bullying.
Joyce Watson: ...young people step into the world of work, to get a good job and to start building a future. And now, Jobs Growth Wales+ will create those life-changing opportunities for young people who are not in education, employment or training. And it's just the first part of Welsh Labour's young person's guarantee, of course—our promise and commitment to every young person in Wales. So, ahead of...
Joyce Watson: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I certainly welcome this announcement today. I think you're right to put education at the forefront of environmental sustainability, because it's a generational change that's needed. There are examples of children being very much involved in the RainScape project in Llanelli schools, and the children are fascinated by it and they learn maths from it and lots about...
Joyce Watson: ...in the third trimester, increases the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation, whereas for young people, yes it’s about protection from COVID and long COVID, but it’s also missing school and the disruption and the upset that that incurs.
Joyce Watson: Will the Minister provide an update on the school COVID-19 bubble system?
Joyce Watson: Diolch. I know Cosheston school well; I went there. But I do have a longer memory than the Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. As a Pembrokeshire councillor from 1995, I saw the transformational impact of unprecedented investment in our schools by the successive Welsh Governments. And today, despite more than a decade of Tory cuts to Welsh budgets, I think I'm right in saying...
Joyce Watson: ...full-time tutoring staff that have been recruited will make all the difference this year to pupils and teachers. The previous Welsh Government was, of course, recognised internationally and by the Education Policy Institute for its response to the pandemic, particularly how they led the way by speedily providing laptops and Wi-Fi devices to disadvantaged learners. So, how will today's...
Joyce Watson: ...that mandatory, and I'm really, really pleased that that is happening. Many of you here will know that I have campaigned for years about what a healthy relationship looks like. I have approached schools right across Wales to join me, even providing materials from the White Ribbon campaign, and I've had some success where schools have done that, but not much. And the reason being is trying...
Joyce Watson: ...the story of the pandemic in our region to understand how precarious the situation is. And it only took a single event in Cardigan—and elsewhere—where we had a super-spreader situation, where schools had to be shut, where businesses were completely disrupted, and everything else was also affected. That was one event. Until that event happened, the virus was under control. So, things...
Joyce Watson: ...recently that illustrate just how precarious this situation is, how quickly local health services can be overtaken by events, and why firm action to control the virus is vital. More than a dozen schools, nurseries and a college campus had to close in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion after localised spikes, and a number of patients have tested positive for COVID-19 at Llandovery and Amman...
Joyce Watson: Will the Minister provide an update on the COVID-secure measures being taken in secondary schools?
Joyce Watson: ..., I do remain concerned, though, that more families who don't have recourse to public funds may struggle to make ends meet this winter. I know local authorities have the discretion to provide free school meals to any pupil that they know to be in need, but I would ask you, First Minister, if you would encourage local authorities in Wales, before the Christmas break, to ensure that the...
Joyce Watson: 6. How much funding has the Welsh Government provided for out-of-term free school meals across Mid and West Wales? OQ55790
