5. Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education: High Achievement — Supporting our More Able and Talented Learners

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:04 pm on 27 February 2018.

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Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 5:04, 27 February 2018

Could I thank Llyr for his questions? Can I start by going back to the point about further education? I'm committed to meeting the needs of more able and talented learners within the further education sector as well as in the schools sector. We have for the first time produced guidance tailored to the needs of FE learners. This is not just for those whose ability lies in the more traditional academic subjects who may be doing their A-levels, for instance, in an FE college, but also for those with outstanding vocational and practical skills. Our guidance is designed to reflect the inclusive and diverse ethos of the FE sector. It's never been done before, we've done it, it's out there in the sector and, over the next year, in partnership with CollegesWales, we will continue to do more to strengthen the FE sector support for MAT learners including, as I said to Darren Millar, funding a programme of professional development for practitioners in the FE sector. And we're also working in partnership with them to deliver a conference that will provide the opportunity for colleges to showcase and to learn from each other about how they support more able and talented learners to succeed.