Group 2: Life-saving Skills and First Aid (Amendments 1, 3)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:10 pm on 2 March 2021.

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Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 5:10, 2 March 2021

Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. Can I make it absolutely clear to all Members that life-saving skills are an aspect of learning that forms part of our new health and well-being AoLE? The statutory guidance as drafted emphasises the importance of learners developing the ability to respond to a range of conditions and situations that affect their physical health, and, indeed, the physical health of others, for instance, the ability to respond in an emergency, by knowing how to get help for a 999 emergency. So, there are lots and lots of situations where we need children to be adequately prepared to be able to take the action that they need to, as I said, protect themselves and others. 

However, I recognise the points that both Alun Davies and Suzy have made this afternoon. And I don't know about skinning cats, Suzy, but I do agree with you that what's important in the end is ensuring that we get the outcome that we all want to achieve. And therefore, in recognition of your highly persuasive, and, as Alun Davies described, tenacious campaigning on this issue, I have agreed to update the wording of the statutory curriculum for Wales guidance so that, in the future, it will read, and I quote:

'Schools should also consider what strategies their learners will need to be able to safely intervene to support others who may be at risk. This should include lifesaving skills and first aid.'

I hope that this strengthened wording and this approach, which will, I hope, put it beyond doubt that this is a statutory element of the curriculum that must be provided to children and young people, will achieve what you have long campaigned for, Suzy, that children leaving our schools will have had the opportunity to acquire these skills. And in the spirit of, hopefully, the co-operation that I have tried to engender throughout this curriculum Bill process, I hope that Members will resist the amendment on the promise, as I said, of revised guidance to reflect the strength of opinion that Suzy, Alun and others, I know, in this Chamber share. Thank you.