<p>Community-focused Schools</p>

Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Education – in the Senedd at 2:09 pm on 12 July 2017.

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Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 2:09, 12 July 2017

Presiding Officer, can I correct the Member? I don’t represent one of the largest rural constituencies in this Assembly; it is the largest single rural constituency, geographically, in this Assembly. It is because of that that I have a deep interest in the subject. And that’s why my previous experience as a backbencher led me to be determined that this Government can take the issue of rural schools forward. The Member will be aware of answers I gave earlier. We’re currently consulting on the school organisation code to move to a presumption against closure. But with regard to finances, he will be aware of the special grant that has been developed, of £2.5 million per annum, to address some of these challenges—very real challenges—that face rural schools and maintaining education in those communities.