4. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:53 pm on 12 November 2019.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 2:53, 12 November 2019

Could we have a statement on the support for primary school children with additional learning needs in Welsh-medium education? Now, obviously, this Welsh Government has prioritised the growth of Welsh-medium education as part of its ambitious targets for 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. But, one of the challenges of growing Welsh-medium education in areas that start from a low base is that there will also be children in those areas attending Welsh-medium primaries that come from Welsh-speaking and non-Welsh-speaking families who will require additional learning support in Welsh, which may not be in place. It would be deeply unsatisfactory—I know that the Trefnydd would agree—if, at the age when diagnosis supporting additional needs is often made, in years 9 and 10, that there was not adequate support for these children in Welsh-medium primary education, as well as in English. So, I would welcome a statement on this important matter, which could highlight then the support that's available and also any gaps in provision in different local authority areas across Wales.