The report is an important contribution to continuing dialogue between the commissioner, Welsh Government and the Assembly, all those working with children, parents and, of course, children themselves. Llywydd, we will publish a considered Welsh Government response to the report at the end of the month, and I expect that we will welcome and accept some of the recommendations, like those on promoting positive mental health for children and strengthening the provision of statutory advocacy. Others will require more thought and discussion with a wide range of stakeholders in order to identify the best way forward in the interests of children.

Today, we are asking the Assembly to note the report in order to start the process of wider engagement with the recommendations, and we will be opposing Plaid Cymru’s amendment 1, not because we oppose particular recommendations, but because it would be wrong to pre-empt the wider debate required. This has been a year of change and opportunity for both the commissioner and the Government and, in May, we reported on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. They praised Wales specifically for introducing a new domestic abuse offence, taking measures to address child sexual exploitation and abuse, and introducing a statutory defence for all potential victims of child trafficking and legislating for play.

Despite challenging economic circumstances, we have made significant progress in educational reform, with the development of childcare and early-years provision, making play opportunities available, tackling hate crime and discrimination, and improving health and social care services. ‘Taking Wales Forward’ sets out our programme to drive improvement in the Welsh economy and public services, delivering a Wales that is prosperous, secure, healthy and active, ambitious and learning, united and connected. Its aim is to make a difference for everybody, at every stage in their lives, including children and young people.

Llywydd, turning to some specific issues, both the commissioner’s report and the UN committee highlighted the issue of mental ill health, stressing the need to improve child and adolescent mental health services, for greater support in schools and better service collaboration. We take this persistent problem for children and young people very seriously. Our 10-year ‘Together for Mental Health’ delivery plan includes a plan to support all children and young people to be more resilient and better able to cope with the absence of mental well-being, when necessary. The curriculum reform process is a key aspect of how we’ll deliver this. The Together for Children and Young People programme and our CAMHS investment of almost £8 million are complementary and are progressing in parallel. Engaging young people in every aspect of the programme’s work is critical.

Additional learning needs are highlighted also in the report. It is a priority for this Government and an area where important engagement continues between us and the commissioner’s office. We are grateful for the commissioner’s response to our consultation on the draft Bill and for the involvement of her office in the development of reforms more generally, especially through the code content development group. The Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language expects to introduce the Bill in the Assembly before Christmas recess. The proposed legislative changes are just one part of a much wider additional learning needs transformational programme. The change in the law is not the end point: it’s the beginning of a transformational process of learning.

The commissioner also raised concerns about children who are under the radar of the universal services in health and education. We have revisited and strengthened our elective home education guidance and this will be published in the next coming weeks. We will need to consider and consult carefully on whether to move beyond that, but I want to be clear that our careful approach is about ensuring the best practical safeguards for all children. I recognise that early intervention is key to long-term health and well-being and I’ve outlined my priorities about tackling adverse childhood experiences and building resilient communities, and I think these align with many of the issues that concern the commissioner.

I want to ensure that our policies tackle the underlying problems that can lead to adverse childhood experiences and have long life effects. Over the next coming months we will look afresh at how this Government can support resilient communities, which can offer children the best start in life. I’m confident, Llywydd, that this Government is working to make children’s rights a reality in every part of Wales and I’d like to thank the commissioner and her office for this annual report. We will give the recommendations detailed consideration and encourage the widest possible public debate so that we can ensure the best outcomes for children and young people in Wales. I look forward today to listening to this debate.