Jeremy Miles: There is a differing view, Dirprwy Lywydd, on the use of biometric technologies across all aspects of society. It is a complex and sensitive issue. Technology is developing quickly in our daily lives, and in using it in the right way it can provide undoubted benefits, making aspects of our lives easier, more efficient and safer. But it's important that the use of technology is properly...
Jeremy Miles: We hope that each and every one of you, from whatever party or linguistic experience, will commit today on St David's Day to working throughout the year to create a Wales where future generations can use the Welsh language in all aspects of their lives. The Welsh language belongs to us all, and as I'm sure Dewi Sant would say if he was contributing to this debate: be joyful, do the little...
Jeremy Miles: As the Member will know from our previous discussions, we've been working with our partners in relation to what is obviously the thorny challenge of increasing the numbers of teachers able to teach through the medium of Welsh. And happily, as she knows, we have a 10-year plan that we've been working on together, which is the product of lots of creativity and commitment right across Wales, and...
Jeremy Miles: Certainly.
Jeremy Miles: Well, there's been no shift, and we are not disregarding anything. The census is our measure, but we have to look at the broader context if we want to base our policies on facts rather than what we would want to see. That's why looking at the bigger picture is so very important. But, as I was saying, it's also important that we look at the work that the Commission for Welsh-speaking...
Jeremy Miles: Yes, I will.
Jeremy Miles: Well, happy St David's Day to everyone. We should remember that the Welsh language isn't just for St David's Day, but for every day, and, whatever Welsh you do have, do make use of that Welsh language every chance you get: use, use, use—that's the solution. I have to say, I haven't heard Tom Giffard, Gareth Davies or James Evans speaking so much Welsh, so congratulations to them on making...
Jeremy Miles: Formally.
Jeremy Miles: However, Dirprwy Lywydd, I understand the concerns that EMA has not increased for some time, and welcome the views that Members have expressed on where we can further improve our commitment to young people. I appreciate that young people are also very much feeling the financial strain of the current cost-of-living crisis. We are continuing to model what impact potential changes might have,...
Jeremy Miles: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. Members will be aware from previous debates and questions on this issue that we as a Government recognise the positive impact that the EMA can have on young people, and we are still committed, in accordance with the programme for government, to maintaining the allowance. Along with our other commitments to young people and with an annual budget of £17 million, the...
Jeremy Miles: That's an important question. Of course, the main purpose of this is to ensure that the way that we educate learners is as broad as possible, so that people have enhanced opportunities to access diverse courses, and there'll be different demands in different areas in terms of courses in our colleges. But it's also an opportunity—as I mentioned in response to Sioned Williams—it's also an...
Jeremy Miles: I thank the Member for those questions. I know that she will welcome the work that's already being done to increase the numbers able to teach the sciences, maths and computing, including through the medium of Welsh, and that includes financial incentives, which can be substantial, and other initiatives to attract people to the profession. She finished by asking what we're doing to ensure that...
Jeremy Miles: Yes, certainly. As part of the investment of over £30 million that we've made into the expansion of digital provision by the FE sector in recent years—that will be the figure by the end of the 2024-25 academic year—one of they key criteria for investment of that is to make sure that everyone is able to access the provision that results from that. The Member will also recall the...
Jeremy Miles: I’m expecting that colleges’ strategic plans will identify longer term ambitions for digital learning, but will focus more closely on the period from 2023 to 2025, whilst the new commission for tertiary education and research is being established. Digital technology offers huge potential to help deliver the commission’s key goals of strengthening collaboration across the post-16 sector,...
Jeremy Miles: The aims of 'Cymraeg 2050', our strategy for increasing the number of Welsh speakers, are very important to this too. The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol has been working with a range of activities to increase use of the Welsh language, and also to increase capability and confidence in the FE sector, helping colleges and teaching practitioners to use digital technology to support learners’ Welsh...
Jeremy Miles: I want our further education sector in Wales to be at the leading edge of innovation, creativity and collaboration. I am very pleased to see many examples of this type of activity in our FE sector. Our colleges are sharing knowledge and experiences of exploring the use of virtual and augmented reality, exploring creative partnerships with hi-tech industries, and working with partners to...
Jeremy Miles: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. Over the past three years, we have seen a step change in the development of digital learning, on a scale that we could never have anticipated before the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to pay tribute to the dedication of our staff and leaders across the whole education sector, who worked to keep our learners engaged during a period of unprecedented challenge. It's now...
Jeremy Miles: The link between attendance and educational attainment is, of course, clear. Missing sustained periods of school presents a real risk to a child's attainment, and can also lead to them feeling more disengaged from their education. Monitoring educational outcomes and the links with attendance rates are crucial considerations as part of the development of the new data ecosystem. Simply put, the...
Jeremy Miles: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd like to thank the members of the Children, Young People and Education Committee for this important report. What's clear to me in considering the recommendations is the importance of considering attendance along with other influences and factors, as we've already heard, such as socioeconomic status, well-being and broader systemic issues. Tackling the impact of...
Jeremy Miles: Well, none of us want to hear the sorts of examples that Mark Isherwood has described in his question today, and if there are any of those that he wishes to write to me about specifically, I'd be happy to take that up. In relation to ensuring the reforms are effective, we are making sure that there is additional funding in the system, both this year and for the next two years. We are now a...
