Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:52 pm on 16 November 2021.
I think the Member makes a very important point. A number of the interventions that I've described today, in particular the book scheme, will have a dimension that makes sure that books are received by young people in care specifically. There are some particular interventions for some of our most vulnerable disadvantaged families around the early years, and some of the books that I've been referring to are rhyming books for children who need additional support and additional support to be able to learn at home. Another part of the book programme is the letterbox club—books that benefit in particular looked-after children. So, that is absolutely a lens through which we've seen the proposals that I'm making today. He will know that there's already a piece of work that I'm working on, together with the Deputy Minister with responsibility for care, in relation to what more we can do to support looked-after children in their educational attainment generally. But I do share his concern that the experience of the last 18 months will have had a detrimental effect in terms of oracy, in particular, perhaps, for those in the early years, for whom we know there is a particular set of challenges.