Group 3: Additional Learning Needs (Amendment 6)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:45 pm on 21 June 2022.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Laura Anne Jones Laura Anne Jones Conservative 4:45, 21 June 2022

I recognise the Minister has taken some action on this, and we welcome it, of course, and thank you for recognising our contribution to it. But, we need to see the commission being clear in how they will treat people with additional learning needs in their policy, especially surrounding supported internships and apprenticeships, which are being integrated into the Bill. Barriers already exist for those with learning disabilities entering into the workforce, and this Bill could be a huge opportunity to break down those barriers.

The Minister is aware that the committee expressed its concerns about the commission in relation to the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, and I do note his response, which mentioned that detailed arrangements for implementing post-16 ALN reforms are currently being finalised. I would therefore be grateful if the Minister would clarify when he expects these detailed arrangements to be implemented and how these will affect the commission's policy on the provision of ALN in the tertiary and higher education sectors. I would also like to know whether funding for supported internships and apprenticeships will be included within this policy. 

I recognise the Welsh Government has embarked on significant reforms to ALN in the educational sector, and as ALN is life long, we do need to ensure that there is a seamless transition from schools to tertiary education and then, if possible, on to work. Diolch, Llywydd.