8. Welsh Conservatives Debate: School Funding

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:35 pm on 20 February 2019.

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Photo of Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Asghar Conservative 6:35, 20 February 2019

Well, I can't—. That's a different—. We are talking about the school funding gap. Leave the consortia out of it because we are worried about school funding here. We need a system that funds schools directly—that's what I'm saying—not consortia, one that gives greater spending control to teachers, parents and governors, directing more money to the classrooms rather than somewhere else.

Deputy Presiding Officer, if we are to get a fairer and more equitable division of resources, we need a new funding formula. It is accepted across the education sector that the current system is inadequate. The OECD, local authorities, professional bodies and stakeholders all recognise this. Sadly, it is only the Welsh Government that doesn't. I ask the Minister to review the system of school funding to ensure that every child gets the high-quality education they deserve.

And finally, Minister, if we are in power, there will be three areas we'll put money into more efficiently and effectively. One is religious education on anti-Semitism and an understanding of faith and belief and no extremism among the children. And funding for sports grounds; children's health is paramount. And finally, classes on music, which should be funded from this side of the Chamber. Thank you.