Motion NDM7895 Darren Millar

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Regrets the adverse impact of COVID-19 restrictions on children and young people across Wales, including:

a) learners in Wales missing more days of their education than elsewhere in the UK during the pandemic;

b) Estyn’s conclusion that learners’ maths, reading, Welsh language and social skills have all suffered as a result of school closures.

2. Notes the persistent per pupil funding shortfall between Wales and other parts of the UK.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to take action to overcome the impact of the pandemic on Welsh learners to ensure that every young person can reach their potential, by:

a) guaranteeing that schools will remain open;

b) removing the requirement to wear face coverings in schools and colleges as soon as possible;

c) accelerating the rollout of improved ventilation adaptations in learning environments;

d) levelling up school funding across Wales to address the shortfall between Wales and other UK nations.