6. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: Tackling the impact of poverty on attainment

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:42 pm on 28 March 2023.

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Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 4:42, 28 March 2023

Thank you, Minister. I've got two questions today. My first is about initial teacher training. I think it's really important that trainee teachers are allocated a mix of school placements, so that they're able to gain experience in working with pupils from more disadvantaged backgrounds. And this is to build their skills and their expertise, but also, crucially, to build a passion for what is probably one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching. What work are you doing with universities in Wales to ensure that they deliver placements on this basis?

Secondly, I note your comments around ensuring that we tackle the impact of poverty on attainment throughout the year and not just during the school term. From visiting projects in my own constituency, including, for example, in Penywaun, I know what good work the school holiday enrichment programme does, not just for children, but also their families and school staff. So, building on your answer to my colleague Jenny Rathbone, I'd like to say that I appreciate the pressure on budgets, but I'd like to ask if you've given any consideration to whether this provision could be extended, both geographically and in terms of the school year.