I thank the Member for those questions. She's entirely right in saying that we need to continue to support schools through the period they're going through at the moment, which continues to be challenging, of course. She asked towards the end for confirmation of what's been spent in supporting our schools. In this financial year, for example, some £278 million has been spent specifically in response to COVID, which is an increase on the £220 million in the previous financial year. That funding source has come to an end in terms of the funding provided to the Welsh Government by the Westminster Government, but, despite that, and recognising the point that the Member makes that the need doesn't come to an end, we will continue to fund a scheme of some £37.5 million this year and in the future, and then there will be funding to respond to the needs of learners with additional learning needs, as well as the funding I mentioned in response to Laura Jones, which will be invested in responding to the challenges in terms of mental health and well-being among our pupils and school staff. I will be making a further statement on that in the coming days. 

The Member is right in saying that the pressure in terms of cost of living on some of our learners is huge at the moment. I know that she recognises and welcomes what the Welsh Government has been able to do in expanding the PDG access to those pupils who are eligible in order to meet costs, as well as extending our free school meal provision over the school holidays, and, in addition to that, the commitments in the co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, of course.

She made an important point on the ability of all pupils being able to benefit from what we mentioned in our statement today. Of course, the whole purpose of the statement is to ensure that the opportunities and the provision are available to all pupils. You mentioned new schools; I was with Sioned Williams opening a new school in my own constituency last Friday, which is an excellent example of community resources being available in that community, and a high percentage of pupils in that school are in receipt of free school meals. It was great to see the provision in terms sports facilities, but also drama, music and so on, that will be available to them, of course, but also to the wider community.

The point that she makes in terms of transport is a very important one. I recognise that that is an important factor. We've had other discussions on the importance of that issue, and I know that Lee Waters, as the Minister responsible for transport, is looking at what else can be done in that context for the important reasons that she outlined.

Just on a final note, I will say that the curriculum is an opportunity for us to ensure that every child has access to the highest standards. It provides flexibility, it allows all pupils to be encouraged in a way that responds to their priorities and their needs. I think that the schools that work with more families from disadvantaged backgrounds do welcome these developments, because it provides them with more opportunities. In terms of resources, of course, there is more do be done in terms of teachers and the education workforce working through the medium of Welsh. You will know that we are working on that with stakeholders at the moment, and are intending to publish that draft plan in May. In terms of school budgets, I will just remind the Member that the local government settlement is some 9.4 per cent higher than it was last year. It's historic in that sense. There is pressure on local authorities, of course, yes, but that provides a firm foundation for funding our schools.