4. Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education: Update and next steps for the Pupil Development Grant

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:33 pm on 17 April 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 4:33, 17 April 2018

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I have a few questions on your statement. Firstly, I note your comments about how the PDG is being used to better involve families in their children's education, and you will know that I'm hosting an event for Parentkind at the Senedd tomorrow at which you'll be speaking. This aims to celebrate the work of the charity in getting parents to take a role in education. However, I know, and many other former teachers and teachers know, that it can be difficult to engage parents of EFSM children to attend parents evening or to feel comfortable visiting their child's school. What work can the Welsh Government do to help overcome these barriers? 

Secondly, the improvement in attainment for EFSM and looked-after children you mentioned is really welcome. One in three of the former are now reaching the level 2 threshold, and nearly one in four of the latter. It is right that we recognise pupil progress, but for many of these pupils progress cannot be measured by exam results alone. So, I'd welcome the return to more of a focus on the inclusive measure of value added. Could you expand on your comments about how the Welsh Government will develop a suite of measures that will focus on progress in terms of value added? 

Thirdly and finally, a crucial aspect of the PDG is obviously the way in which it is used to support looked-after pupils. The current flexibility in the system allows regional consortia to tailor-make support packages that address the particular needs of pupils in their area. How does the Welsh Government monitor this to ensure that best practice is rolled out across Wales so that all looked-after pupils receive the very best support?