So, we reconvene on item 8, which is the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (Wales) Regulations 2020, and I call on the Minister for Education to move the motion. Kirsty Williams. 

Motion NDM7482 Rebecca Evans

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1. Approves that the draft The Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (Wales) Regulations 2020 is made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 3 November 2020.

Motion moved.

Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. Members will be aware that, in response to numerous reports into the shortfalls of the current system, this Government introduced new legislation in 2016 that paved the way for a much-improved system for supporting children and young people with additional learning needs. This ambitious legislation was co-constructed with key stakeholders and tested through the Bill scrutiny process by Members of the Senedd. The Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, otherwise known as the ALN Act, became an Act of law in January 2018 and is the centrepiece of the wider ALN transformation programme.

Since 2018, I've been working with stakeholders to help shape the ALN code and draft regulations setting out how the new system will work in practice. In September, I announced that the timeline for starting roll-out of the new ALN system remains unchanged, and that the statutory roles of the additional learning needs co-ordinator—the ALNCO; the designated educational clinical lead officer—the DECLO; and the early years additional learning needs lead officers—the EYALNCOs—will still commence in January 2021. This will enable the rest of the new system to proceed on a phased basis from September 2021.

Earlier this month, I approved the Order that will allow for the commencement of these statutory roles from 4 January 2021, and to support this I'm pleased to present an important set of regulations that mark a key milestone in the ALN reforms in Wales, the draft ALNCO regulations. These regulations will help raise standards and the co-ordination of education provision, and promote a whole-school approach to those with ALN by prescribing the qualifications and experience an ALNCO must have. They set out clear tasks that an ALNCO must undertake, which will ensure that our statutory bodies take a consistent approach in designating the role, as well as enabling the delivery of improved educational provision for children and young people with ALN.

To support ALNCOs, I'm providing funding for additional training as part of an ALN national professional training programme. Work is under way to develop a specific professional learning offer for ALNCOs to enable them to provide a strategic leadership role, acting as the first port of call for professional advice and guidance for others.

The draft ALNCO regulations were laid in the Senedd on 3 November and with the support of Members today will come into force at the same time as the ALNCO role commences on 4 January 2021. Passing these regulations will represent a significant step forward in the delivery of our new ALN system in Wales and will go some way towards improving the life chances of our learners with additional learning needs. Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. 

Plaid Cymru welcomes the intention to improve support for pupils with additional learning needs, but I do note, however, that there are a number of challenges arising in introducing these changes, particularly in light of COVID and bearing in mind the far-reaching curricular reforms that are also in the pipeline.

The changes to ALN education have a cost to them, but it is not clear exactly how much all of this will cost—it's not clear what it will cost in staffing terms or in terms of training. But I do think that there is general agreement that it will mean additional financial pressures on our schools even though budgets are shrinking. There is also some work to be done to upskill staff, too. So, whilst welcoming these new regulations, the Government must acknowledge that there are significant challenges in introducing these changes in a meaningful way that will truly make a difference to this special cohort of children. 

Thank you. There are no Members who have indicated that they want to make an intervention, therefore, can I call on the Minister for Education to reply to the debate? Kirsty Williams. You need to be unmuted.

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Can I thank Siân Gwenllian for her comments? She is absolutely right to talk about the not insignificant challenges of making real the promise of the ALN Act. And certainly, the impact of COVID-19 on the work of the Government and, indeed, on the work of schools is not insignificant. However, I'm sure she would agree with me that we must make progress and the regulations before us today allow us to do that. 

With regard to financial resources, the Member will be aware that we have set aside a £20 million programme to support the implementation of the Act. The vast majority of that will be spent on providing the necessary professional learning and upskilling opportunities that will be demanded by the legislation. But I'm grateful for her comments and her continued commitment to this important area of reform.

Thank you very much. The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? I don't see any objections. Therefore, the motion is agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.