8. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the delivery of the digital competence framework by primary schools in mid Wales? OAQ(5)0103(EDU)

The digital competence framework was made available to schools and settings in September 2016. Schools and settings throughout Wales are being helped to develop the delivery of the framework through the digital pioneers and regional consortia.

Thank you, Minister, for your answer. I hope you will be aware that the lack of broadband across parts of rural Powys is putting rural schools in particular at a significant disadvantage, which is having a knock-on effect on pupils’ education. Now, as I understand, there are 28 primary schools across Wales that still cannot access adequate broadband to enable them to teach pupils using the Hwb digital learning resource. Can I ask what the Welsh Government is doing to ensure that teachers can access the digital resource, which they need to deliver the full curriculum to their pupils?

I agree with the fundamental point that the Member makes, that all schools have to have equal access to broadband to ensure that pupils are able to take advantage of these opportunities, which should be available to them. There are 23 schools, in fact, that currently do not have the superfast broadband that we require. We recognise the importance of equal access. The Cabinet Secretary has committed an additional £5 million of funding to ensure that all schools have access to superfast broadband. Presiding Officer, we expect that work in all of these schools will be completed by 31 March, next week. However, there are three schools where BT has encountered issues and which won’t be completed until 28 April.

Question 9 [OAQ(5)0100(EDU)] has been withdrawn. Question 10—Paul Davies.