Kirsty Williams: Llywydd, in the summer, I published a White Paper on the reform of the post-compulsory education and training system. The consultation closed in late October, and I'd like to take this opportunity to update Members on progress and to announce that we are moving forward to a technical consultation. In the White Paper, I set out the Government’s proposals for reform, covering further and...
Kirsty Williams: I want to make it absolutely clear—I want to make it absolutely clear—that there is no evidence to suggest that the regional consortia have tried to resist inspection. In fact, GwE has just received another inspection from the Estyn inspectorate. So, let's be absolutely clear about that. But having said that, Darren, I do share your concerns that such a large amount of money was used...
Kirsty Williams: Thank you, Darren. Can I make it absolutely clear that there is no evidence at all to suggest that the regional consortia have resisted any inspection? Indeed—[Interruption.] Well, you just said that they have resisted.
Kirsty Williams: Thank you, Darren. Regional consortia receive funding from their constituent local authorities, their trading income and from a Welsh Government grant. They are rightly accountable to their joint governance committees made up of locally elected members to make sure that they deliver on their statutory duties. I also challenge them through regular challenge-and-review meetings.
Kirsty Williams: Moved.
Kirsty Williams: Moved.
Kirsty Williams: I move.
Kirsty Williams: I move.
Kirsty Williams: Moved.
Kirsty Williams: Moved.
Kirsty Williams: Moved.
Kirsty Williams: Moved.
Kirsty Williams: Moved.
Kirsty Williams: Move.
Kirsty Williams: I move.
Kirsty Williams: I move.
Kirsty Williams: Moved.
Kirsty Williams: Thank you, Presiding Officer. As you say, this is the last group of amendments and the last amendment that we will discuss this afternoon. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank both Darren Millar and Llyr Gruffydd for their contribution to the debate this afternoon. I think we've been able to make real progress and have added value to the legislation by the engagement that we've had...
Kirsty Williams: I move.
Kirsty Williams: Presiding Officer, I'm afraid I cannot support amendments 17 and 18, which seek to compel local authorities to refer parents to independent advocacy services. The Bill provides that independent advocacy services must be available for children, young people and case friends. It is right that the child or young person themselves—or a case friend on behalf of a child who lacks...
