The Twenty-first Century Schools Programme

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Education – in the Senedd at 2:07 pm on 3 July 2019.

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Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 2:07, 3 July 2019

Well, can I thank the Member for bringing to the attention of the whole Assembly the official opening of Ysgol Ponyberem next week? I'm very disappointed that I'm not able to attend. One of the most wonderful aspects of being the Minister for Education is to be able to travel the length and breadth of the nation opening new buildings, whether that be a complete new build or very, very successful refurbishments or extensions on the existing school estate.

I'm sure the Member would share my ambition that children and those who educate and work with them deserve to do that important work in buildings that are fit for purpose and allow them to make the most of those opportunities. Although sometimes, perhaps, from time from time, relations between Welsh Government and local government can get a bit feisty, the strong partnership working between local authorities across Wales and the Welsh Government has made this capital investment programme, I think, one of the most successful capital programmes that the Welsh Government has enjoyed, because of that close partnership working between us and our local authorities. I commend all of those who are working really, really hard to get these buildings up and open and I hope they have a wonderful, wonderful day.