Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Obviously, as we roll out this policy, more work will be done and has been done with our schools. You mentioned that you'd had a response from the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language in relation to further work that was being undertaken during the month of October. Obviously, we're still in the month of October, so I would hope that when he has that information to hand,...
Lesley Griffiths: The education Minister wants to come with me as well. I think you make a really important point. The links between north Wales, and particularly north-east Wales, and the north-west of England are very important, and we know that people do travel to Liverpool and, indeed, Manchester, and probably further afield, to see arts and culture events. Clearly, the Eurovision contest coming to...
Lesley Griffiths: ...in Iran, and you will have heard my answer to Jenny Rathbone. I think it's really important that we put pressure on the UK Government. You asked for three statements from the Minister for education. In relation to free school meals, that work is ongoing, and I don't think, really, there's a need for a statement at the current time. Regarding examinations, the Minister for education will,...
Lesley Griffiths: ...the oral question schedule on next week's business statement, so that questions to the Minister for Economy will be pushed back from 12 October to 19 October, and questions to the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language brought forward from 19 October to 12 October. Unfortunately, this change was not agreed in time to be reflected on yesterday's business statement, and I apologise...
Lesley Griffiths: ...support for the food industry. Our food trade programme is securing new Welsh product orders in retailers, and new public procurement guidance will prioritise wider socioeconomic benefits. Our free school meals policy will also open opportunities for local suppliers and producers.
Lesley Griffiths: ..., which is part of the co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, and I'm having discussions with Cefin Campbell, the designated Member, to see what more we can do there. There are also the free school meals—again, part of the co-operation agreement—where we are using local food producers far more than we certainly did before. I'm very pleased with the investment and the support that we...
Lesley Griffiths: ...that these are delivered throughout the supply chains. In relation to promoting the use of British Sign Language, obviously, the new curriculum in Wales is now being used right across primary schools in Wales, and using British Sign Language is on the curriculum alongside English and other languages, and the guidance that's been brought forward to support progression in BSL for deaf BSL...
Lesley Griffiths: ...need to raise awareness about, and tackling the impacts of child poverty is a priority for this Government and we will continue to support learners who are disadvantaged by poverty throughout their educational journey. You mentioned some of the initiatives that the Minister for education has brought forward; we're also clear no child should ever be hungry in school, and we've commenced the...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, I don't recognise the picture that you're portraying. I certainly don't think physics teachers and the word 'crisis' go together, and I certainly don't think that the Minister for Education and Welsh Language would agree with you either. I think it's fair to say that the recruitment to ITE of students studying to teach physics does remain below our desired position, and ITE partnerships...
Lesley Griffiths: ...post, and the numbers of appointments against posts advertised has remained relatively constant over the last five years. In 2020-21, an increase in overall recruitment to secondary initial teacher education programmes resulted in 36 per cent of new entrants studying to teach STEM subjects.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, no proposals have been published at the current time—they will be in due course—but I know the Minister for education is talking to the relevant organisations and partners.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. In relation to your second question, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language has already published a written statement on 26 August regarding the very factually incorrect information that unfortunately was being discussed in a public domain from a certain group of people. I think the Minister for education was very clear in his written statement—I do hope you've had the...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I know the Minister for Education and Welsh Language has had specific discussions around T-levels with the UK Government, but I think it's fair to say the UK Government haven't been particularly helpful in this area. You mentioned the logistics sector. You can translate that into many other different sectors who are really struggling with the number of skills shortages, and, I...
Lesley Griffiths: ...'ve just reminded us that, despite many benefits to individuals, and of course to Wales, we should be very keenly aware of the potential risks associated with outdoor recreation, and informing and educating visitors on enjoying the outdoors safely is a really important aspect of what we do to promote the great outdoors here in Wales. Welsh Government have supported NRW in the development...
Lesley Griffiths: Both the Minister for Education and Welsh Language and the Minister for Social Justice, I know, are doing a great deal of work to support not just schools in relation to food being provided in school holidays in place of free school meals, but also to charity schemes as well. So, I'm not sure if there's any further work to update you upon ahead of the school holidays, but I will certainly—....
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, I'm very proud the Welsh Government, along with Plaid Cymru as part of our co-operation agreement, are bringing forward free school meals. Clearly, there are issues to be addressed, and I think capacity within schools is one. There are other issues that are being worked through. It's very much a cross-Government piece of work. The Minister for Social Justice is involved, and...
Lesley Griffiths: ...have really had to adapt and cope with new and often challenging arrangements as a result of that significant disruption we've had to both teaching and learning. I know that the Minister for Education and Welsh Language is aware of the concern around a number of exam papers. I'm not quite sure of all the subjects, but I'm sure Mike Hedges covered many of them. He meets regularly with the...
Lesley Griffiths: ...scheme. Isn't that just one way the UK Government could help with the cost-of-living crisis? I think the Deputy Minister is really keen to see Healthy Start eligibility until a child starts primary school—I think that would help—increasing the household income threshold to create consistency with that for free school meals. That would help support our most vulnerable children. So,...
Lesley Griffiths: ...think the Senedd election is also an area where we've done our very best to try and increase turnout. I think it's absolutely down to every one of us in this Chamber to do all we can to engage with schools, to engage with young people. Of course, one way of increasing that was having 16 and 17-year-olds, and I personally would be be interested to see what number of 16 and 17-year-olds...
Lesley Griffiths: Again, I think it would be more appropriate if you wrote to the Minister for Education and Welsh Language. It's a very specific concern that you raise.
