5. Statement by the Minister For Education: Update on Education Provision

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:22 pm on 3 June 2020.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 3:22, 3 June 2020

With regard to our very youngest children, I know that this is a particular area of concern to many people because of the ability for our very youngest learners to understand the concept of social distancing. You can have a conversation with older children and they can understand what they can and can't do; the natural instincts of our very youngest learners are to be together, and that can be really challenging. 

I think what's really important to say is that, over the last 10 weeks, we have amassed a lot of experience in how to minimise the risk in those scenarios. It's important to remember that a quarter of our schools have been open for the last 10 weeks to children of all ages, as have our childcare providers for even younger children. So, we've been able to learn from that experience about how you can manage risk effectively. But I recognise that it is incredibly difficult to explain to a four-year-old how to social distance. Therefore, there are practical ways in which you can minimise their interaction.

So, first of all, we'll be keeping children in very small groups, so not in their traditional classes but in very small groups with a dedicated member of staff. We will be giving advice and guidance, for instance, on resources and the sharing of resources. But without a shadow of a doubt, Darren, it's really challenging for those children. But we've looked at international examples of how that has managed, and I have to say that we know that those children are least at risk. So, the irony is the ones that can do the least social distancing, the evidence would suggest they're least at risk. But we have experience of how we can manage that process and minimise the risk as much as possible. And as I said, with regard to child minding and childcare, further guidance will be issued next week. 

With regard to universities, just like your colleague in the Westminster Government, I have no plans to reduce fee levels here at Welsh universities.