5. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: Further Education Digital Learning

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:23 pm on 14 February 2023.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 4:23, 14 February 2023

Yes, certainly. As part of the investment of over £30 million that we've made into the expansion of digital provision by the FE sector in recent years—that will be the figure by the end of the 2024-25 academic year—one of they key criteria for investment of that is to make sure that everyone is able to access the provision that results from that. The Member will also recall the significant capital investment that we have made to fund the provision of laptops and tablets in both the school and college sector, so that those individuals who may find it challenging themselves to buy what can often be very expensive equipment are also able to access that kit, that equipment, themselves. So, that's been a very important part of the offer, I think. 

And she's right to identify the variable access to broadband in certain parts of Wales, certainly, as being a particular challenge. What she will know is that, as a Government, this function, as she knows, is a reserved function to Westminster, but regardless of that, we've sought to invest through our superfast broadband and other schemes in order to minimise the number of notspots that exist because of the geography of Wales, And, indeed, as part of the COVID response, you will recall that, as well as providing kit, we also provided connectivity tools as well, so dongles and so on, to ensure that learners weren't excluded in the way that she fears in her question. So, part of the work that has been undertaken over recent years has been specifically focused on making sure that the tools that are developed, the teaching techniques that are deployed, are as accessible as possible, including to those with particular challenges from disability as well as affordability. It's a really important part of the mission behind this to extend those opportunities, and so, I absolutely agree with her that that's an important priority.