5. Statement by the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:20 pm on 10 June 2020.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 3:20, 10 June 2020

Diolch yn fawr, Lynne. I think that's a wonderful initiative—to undertake a superheroes game or challenge during this time, and it's great to hear that. And it's absolutely right that there are people from non-Welsh-speaking homes who are really keen to make sure that they keep up their Welsh during this time. And certainly, when the education Minister made her statement on 'stay safe, stay learning', she made an absolute commitment then to ensuring that children from English-speaking homes who attended Welsh-speaking schools should have the same entitlement to support. And we've made sure that there are advice and links and support available, on Hwb in particular, but also we've asked those headteachers in those schools—those Welsh-language schools—to make sure that they publish guidance for headteachers and practitioners. And I know that that has happened because my own children have received some of that guidance. So, that guidance is in place already, pointing to resources. But I'd also encourage them to go beyond just the traditional academic routes, to get involved in activities such as the Urdd. A lot of their work is being done online now; you've heard that they had the Eisteddfod online, the Eisteddfod T, where thousands—7,000 children—took part. And there are other resources on S4C and other places. So, there are resources out there, but I would ask them to contact their headteachers, who have been given very clear advice on where they can get that support from.