I welcome the opportunity to speak in favour of the general principles of the Welsh Government’s Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill. It’s good that the Welsh Government is seizing this chance to make sure the legislative framework within which we approach this issue is fit for purpose. As was noted in the Bill’s explanatory memorandum, the current framework we operate in, and under which I taught, poses so many challenges to my constituents and others across Wales and has largely been unchanged over the last 30 years. It needs the refreshing that this Bill aims to deliver to ensure that this is the case.

For my contribution today, I want to draw on my experience as a secondary school teacher, which gives me familiarity with many of the challenges facing pupils with additional learning needs in school environments across Wales. This is both in mainstream settings and within more specialist, discrete groups. This experience also reinforces my sense of urgency about making sure that we get this right. To do this, we must provide an educational offer that allows every young person to thrive and achieve, and I am glad that this is at the heart of the Bill. Young people must feel supported, but so must their parents, guardians, family and friends.

Unfortunately, I know all too well from my constituents who I meet in my office and surgeries that this is often a challenge. Indeed, I think it is safe to say that support for children and young people with additional learning needs is one of the issues that has arisen most frequently in my casework since I became an AM just over a year ago. Many of these cases can leave parents of young children with quite complex needs feeling that they are battling against a system that is not fully on their side. Therefore, I welcome the principle contained in this Bill to put the needs of the learner at the heart of the decision-making process. It is vital that learners are able to access support through a setting that meets their own individual needs, and that systems are put in place to ensure that they are always able to fully access the level of provision that they have been statemented for.

I know, from the comprehensive data contained in the Children, Young People and Education Committee’s report on the Bill, that the experiences that have been brought to me through my casework are not isolated. I know that the Bill’s focus on developing unified plans, bringing together stakeholders, could help reduce the adversarial experiences my constituents have all too often encountered of them versus the system. Other issues I have dealt with relate to the comparative lack of opportunities for young people with additional learning needs when they finish compulsory schooling. During this time, I’ve met some truly exceptional parents who’ve fought doggedly to get their children the very best opportunities. But this is precisely the point; they should not have to struggle and battle. I therefore welcome the focus in the Bill on creating a single legislative system encompassing individuals from birth to the age of 25.

A few months ago I met with Sense Cymru to discuss their supported pathway into adulthood project, which the Minister may be familiar with. This aims to reduce many of the barriers around transition, and the shift young people meet when they reach adulthood. There is a lot of excellent practice we could take from this. There is a challenge to ensure the principles in the Bill can become reality, so I know the Welsh Government will ensure its working is properly financed. One of the most damaging aspects in provision is where promises are not met due to restricted funding, or the best option is superseded by the cheapest. I look forward to the Minister’s reassurances that this will not occur here.

To close, this Bill offers us the chance to ensure the framework for ALN provision in Wales is learner focused and fit for purpose. I’m happy to support it, as the parents and young people I see in my office and surgery should be able to expect no less.