(Translated) What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the number of school leavers continuing their education in further and higher education?

This Government has maintained our commitment to young people with the continuation of the education maintenance allowance in our programme for government. Coupled with funding made available to colleges via the financial contingency fund, this Government continues to support learners facing financial difficulty in continuing in further and higher education.

(Translated) What action is the Minister taking to ensure that those with additional learning needs receive the best possible education?

Equity and inclusion are at the heart of education reform. Action taken to implement the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 will ensure all learners with ALN can access additional support for their needs, that is properly planned and protected, with learners at the heart of the process.

(Translated) What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support teaching assistants in schools?

A task and finish group working in social partnership is considering key issues including job descriptions and standardisation of roles and pay, although these are longer term considerations for local authorities. The Welsh Government has also established a steering group to consider access to professional learning for all teaching assistants.