4. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:51 pm on 12 November 2019.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 2:51, 12 November 2019

Trefnydd, could I ask for a statement on the safeguarding of schoolchildren at locations that are used as polling stations, please? There is a concern regarding the safety of pupils due to school facilities also being used as polling stations on the general election day. I give one example here of a headteacher who has contacted me, unable to secure the school safely for the pupils as the general public would share access, and security fences would have to be kept unlocked for public use. This particular headteacher is, of course, reluctant to close the school on this day, and I would expect that this example is not an isolated situation across Wales. In light of this, can I ask for a statement and can you liaise with the education Minister about whether or not there is funding available that would enable schools to relocate to teach their pupils at another facility or location? This isn't just relevant to this general election, but also council and Assembly elections in the future.