9. & 10. The Curriculum Requirements (Amendment of paragraph 7(5) of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 and The Maintained Schools (Amendment of Paragraph 7 of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:40 pm on 15 July 2020.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 3:40, 15 July 2020

Thank you very much. Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. Can I thank Mick Antoniw and Suzy Davies for their comments this afternoon? Mick, you'll be aware that you are correct with regard to the discrepancy, for which I apologise. The error is unfortunate indeed, given that the notice was planned to coincide with the end of the summer term for the majority of schools and settings. However, I don't believe that we need any further clarification, but I apologise for the mistake.

I'm grateful for Suzy Davies's support for the regulations and the recognition that they are brought forward to protect individual schools, headteachers and governing bodies in the sense that it has been impossible for them, during these three weeks—and in some cases four weeks—to apply the full curriculum, especially when we have been very keen that they focus very much in the first instance on child well-being, mental health and readiness to learn. But that's not to say that there aren't curriculum activities going on in schools the length and breadth of Wales. But I'm grateful for your recognition that this is done to protect governing bodies.

I am aware that there are ongoing discussions between the Trefnydd, the Presiding Officer and the Business Committee around the scheduling of these debates in the future, and I hope that those reach a speedy and satisfactory conclusion. But, to conclude on the regulations before us this afternoon, I'm content that these regulations and the statutory notices meet the required tests for being appropriate and proportionate, given the unprecedented situation that we find ourselves in and I trust that the Senedd will support them. Thank you. Diolch