Local authorities are responsible for funding schools in Wales. Welsh Government has prioritised support for schools through the local government settlement. We also continue to provide significant additional grant funding to support our educational reforms and improve outcomes for learners.

I have taken action to support budgets for local authorities in order to safeguard front-line services in schools. Educational funding remains a key priority for this Government, in spite of continued austerity.

The foundation phase is the bedrock of our education system and has been identified as a significant strength of current educational practice in Wales.

I introduced pupil development grant—access in 2018-19 to provide additional support directly to families who need it most, helping them with some of the costs of the school day. This includes help for extra-curricular activities such as scouts, guides or sports. In 2019-20, we have more than doubled this funding. 

The twenty-first century schools and education programme has already delivered schools and colleges across Wales that incorporate valuable community resources, including those in Islwyn High School. In our second wave of investment, we will continue to invest in facilities that benefit the wider community, including wider asset use and co-location of services.