Part of 4. Questions to the Minister for Education and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 4:33 pm on 14 March 2023.
A few weeks ago, a £2.12 million cut to Bridgend council's school budget was announced, meaning an increased risk of redundancies. Worryingly, of course, Bridgend is a microcosm of what seems to be happening throughout Wales at the moment. In November, Heledd Fychan highlighted the National Association of Head Teachers survey, which said just 5 per cent of schools say they will be able to pay their costs in the next academic year without going into deficit. Minister, you mentioned, in response to Heledd Fychan about discussions with schools, about stretching reserves as far as they will go. So, could I ask if the Minister will update us on those discussions and whether the Minister has considered any mid to long-term solutions, perhaps in collaboration with local authorities, to the acute budgetary pressures facing schools?