The Minister for Health and I have convened a task and finish group to advise us on the work required to deliver a step change in mental health support for schools, as outlined in the Assembly’s 'Mind over Matter' report. The group will meet for the second time in March.

We work closely in collaboration with our stakeholders and provide direct investment opportunities through schemes such as Sêr Cymru and our SMART Cymru programmes. In addition we actively encourage applications to UK funding sources to exploit avenues like the industrial challenge fund.

Our national mission for education—to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and public confidence—will lead to improved educational performance. We have worked with schools and consortia to emphasise the importance of PISA.

The regional education consortia support and work closely in partnership with local authorities, to promote high standards of education and the fulfilment of learning potential. The year-on-year increase in the number of schools needing the least amount of support demonstrates the effectiveness of regional ways of working. 

We are making strides in our national mission for education—to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride.

My officials have written to the director of education at Powys County Council seeking clarification on how the authority will continue to meet its statutory duty to provide funding to schools to provide free school breakfasts.

As you are aware, the autonomy of Welsh higher education institutions precludes intervention by the Welsh Government on matters of course provision. However, I expect universities to help Government deliver the successful and effective implementation of the economic action plan and my remit letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales recognises this.