Thank you very much, acting Presiding Officer. I would like to begin by thanking Llyr for bringing forward this important short debate today. Early language skills are indeed central to children's early years development, and these skills provide the springboard for school readiness and their ability to achieve their true potential and to give them a real chance in life. We know, as Llyr has outlined today, that, too often, children living in poverty suffer to a greater extent from impoverished speech, language and communication skills, much more than their more affluent counterparts. It's absolutely fundamental, in my view, that children should be school-ready and be able to fully benefit from the education that they receive.

To that end, Flying Start has made, I believe, a really positive contribution and continues to make progress. This programme has had a transforming impact on the lives of many thousands of young people since its inception. The programme contains four core elements, which include free quality childcare, parenting support, intensive health visitor support and support for speech, language and communication—