Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. Tackling the impact of poverty on attainment is at the heart of our national mission in education. That's the only way we can succeed in our aim of achieving high standards and aspirations for all. In implementing this vision, I am committed to avoiding deficit approaches, but instead to focus on positive actions to help realise the potential of all young people in a way that nurtures and reflects their aspirations.

Since becoming Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, I have also made it clear that we must consider all educational policies through the lens of whether they help tackle the impact of poverty on educational attainment. We will need a whole-system approach to succeed that supports children and young people through all phases of their education: pre-school, school and post-16. Today, I will be outlining some of the actions we will be taking in this area, steps that we will build on in the coming months.

Research and inspection evidence reveals that the single most important influence on learner success within the education system is the quality of learning and teaching, and this is particularly true of our disadvantaged learners. I want to ensure that we continue to improve the quality of learning and teaching, and make sure that that underpins the introduction of our new curriculum.