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.