Alun Davies: Presiding Officer, I have learned to my cost never to challenge Mike Hedges on his numbers. I did so once and I’ll never do it again. I recognise both the numbers he quotes and the broader point behind that. Can I say this? I am considering at the moment the Welsh in education strategic plans. We have not received all of them yet from local authorities, and I will make a statement on the...
Alun Davies: According to the latest data for January 2016, there are 8,804 pupils aged 5 attending a Welsh-medium school. This therefore represents a quarter of all pupils aged 5.
Alun Davies: I fully appreciate, understand and accept the point made by the Member. I think many of us are aware that diagnosing girls with autism, particularly younger girls, is far more difficult than that with boys. The Member will be aware that the autism action plan—the refresh of that—which was published by my colleague Minister at the end of last year, does include a timetable for diagnosis...
Alun Davies: Thank you very much. I know that the Member takes a very close interest in these issues and has done a considerable amount of work in the area. I think all of us are aware of the Member’s commitment to this agenda. Can I say, in terms of the twenty-first century schools programme, this is a programme that is delivered in partnership with local authorities and the technical guidance does...
Alun Davies: An accessible and inclusive physical learning environment is vital for all learners, including those with autism. Through the twenty-first century schools and education programme, we are investing £1.4 billion over the five-year period ending in 2019 in schools and colleges across Wales. These will include specialist facilities for children with autism.
Alun Davies: We are using a variety of methods to promote Welsh-medium education and the opportunities it offers. Ensuring an increase in the number of children in Welsh-medium education in all parts of Wales will be vital if we are to achieve the aim of reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Alun Davies: Thank you very much. I’m very grateful to Sian and Bethan for the comments that they’ve made. I haven’t had an opportunity to read all of the evidence that the committee has received on the standards in its entirety, and the general comments about the system that we have, but I would welcome an opportunity to discuss with the committee Chair, if that’s possible, the way in which she...
Alun Davies: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. It’s my pleasure today to present these regulations to the Chamber. I ask Members this afternoon to pass these regulations. Some Members, of course, will recall that we had this debate on the very last day of the Assembly that concluded last year. Members will also know that these regulations were rejected by the Assembly at that time. I do...
Alun Davies: I must say I am somewhat surprised by the question. Members should be aware that the Welsh Government are constantly in conversation with local authorities about these matters. We have been in conversation with Torfaen about these matters for some time now, and that’s a matter of public record. We will continue to have our discussions and conversations with the excellent local authority in...
Alun Davies: I’m grateful to my good friend and neighbour for tempting me into an appalling indiscretion again. She will be very aware that I cannot comment on any proposals for change that might be under consideration by local authorities; these proposals will, of course, be or may be referred to Welsh Ministers for some decisions, and we recognise that. I’m aware that Torfaen is considering this...
Alun Davies: Local authorities are responsible for sixth-form education. When proposing change they must comply with the school organisation code. An outline business case for a new post-16 centre in Torfaen has been approved. We await a full business case, and I should say that capital funding applications are treated without prejudice to statutory proposals.
Alun Davies: I’m very happy to consider a role for Estyn if that will be of use to us during this process. I will say this about the WESPs: we have received plans here and I am considering those plans at the moment. When I’ve had an opportunity to look at them in detail, and when I feel that I am ready to make a statement, I will do so on how we are going to move forward. I hope that I will be in a...
Alun Davies: Since I’ve been Minister the only delay that there’s been was from the Plaid Cymru bid to change the standards that were placed before the Assembly on higher education. So, I do take your point, but I’m also entirely clear that there’s no will to slow the pace on this or not to implement the legislation. But, I don’t think that legislation is the kind of legislative framework that...
Alun Davies: Thank you very much. I think that I was clear enough in discussing several times in this place, and in other places, that I believe that it is time to review the current legislative framework that we have, and the standards are part of that. I’ve also been clear that the priority at present is to look at the language strategy and legislation will flow from that. I will be publishing a White...
Alun Davies: Very much so. The Cabinet Secretary is in her place and has heard the point that you make and she will reflect on that in terms of the wider issues in terms of teacher training and teacher support. I think that’s a very important aspect of what we’re seeking to achieve in terms of leadership of schools as well. The focus on leadership that the Cabinet Secretary’s tried to create since...
Alun Davies: I recognise the difficulties that the Member describes. I will say that Careers Wales now have something like 60 school-employer Business Class partnerships established. Certainly, a part of the work in developing the new curriculum is to open up these sorts of opportunities and these sorts of conversations within schools and for pupils and between schools and employers. If the Member has any...
Alun Davies: Can I say that I very much welcome the question and remarks from the Member for Neath? I recognise his description and I recognise that all too often too many children in schools don’t have the opportunities that others may have in order to look and see the breadth of opportunities available to them. Our friend describes careers in law but there are, of course, careers elsewhere that would...
Alun Davies: Careers Wales provides independent and impartial information, advice and guidance on learning and career opportunities, including labour market information and intelligence. The company is actively supporting schools to engage with employers and businesses to provide students with opportunities to interact with the world of work.
Alun Davies: The standards were introduced to increase the availability of quality Welsh language services and to increase the use of Welsh.
Alun Davies: I recognise the power and the strength of his arguments, but the purpose is to move away from that system. The Member has described very well a system that is failing, and we do not want to pursue or to sustain a system that is not delivering the services we require, whether it’s for his family or for other families. And, as a consequence, the foundation, if you like, of this new system is...
