Kirsty Williams: I have always been very clear that it is totally unacceptable for a child’s future to be determined by their background or personal circumstances, and not their own abilities.
Kirsty Williams: My priorities for education, agreed with the First Minister, were set out in his published letter of 15 June. These priorities cover all areas of Wales equally. The funding of my priorities will form part of the 2017-18 budget considerations.
Kirsty Williams: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you very much to the Member for bringing forward this debate this afternoon. May I congratulate her on her first short debate, and the speech that she delivered with such aplomb? As we heard from Hannah Blythyn, indeed, schools are not just a building programme, but obviously, a space for budding romances too. I’m grateful to the other Members...
Kirsty Williams: Could I thank the Member for his question this afternoon also? HEFCW’s remit letter for 2016-17, which was written by the previous Minister, did task the council with developing a strategy for HE in Wales, which, amongst other things, did identify in which ways the councils and providers would work together to find innovative ways to encourage part-time study, and to create opportunities to...
Kirsty Williams: Can I thank the Member for her supplementary question and her good wishes? Part-time is a priority for this administration and is key to opening up opportunities for individuals to upskill and improve their employment prospects. Therefore, I was very pleased that HEFCW have recognised the importance of part-time provision and have been able to maintain its support at undergraduate level. I...
Kirsty Williams: First of all, can I thank the Member for such an early opportunity to answer questions here in this Chamber? The decision to cut support for part-time postgraduate study in Wales is a matter for the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. The Welsh Government has no power to direct the funding council as to how to allocate the funds made available for higher education.
Kirsty Williams: Carwyn Jones.