, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Papers to note
We'll move on straight away if we can, Members, to item 3, which is papers to note. Are we content, Members, to note the five papers on the agenda, which are included in our packs? Is everyone content to note the papers? Yes, Lynne?
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Thank you, Art. Thank you for reminding me about that. Thank you very much to you for being here today, and thank you to Members for your participation today during the session as well. Thank you very much.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Absolutely. Yes, we'll be having a debrief session later on this afternoon. Diolch yn fawr. Oh, sorry, Art, diolch.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
So, the local authority advocacy work that Lynne referenced, we've asked for some follow-up on that. We've asked for some follow-up on RVE, following a question from Sam earlier on. Updates on the WESP review, please; evaluation of free school meals and…
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
—at this time now. I'm looking around and I think that everyone has asked several important and appropriate questions of you, Minister. Thank you very much to you and your officials for your time today. There are several elements here that we've agreed to…
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Really burning questions only—
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Okay. So, we're just two minutes over time—apologies for that. Does anyone have a question now?
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
That would be really great. Diolch.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Okay. Could I also request an update on that, if possible, please, when that report has been issued?
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
One final question from me, Minister. A review of school governance and governing bodies was announced by the previous Government in October 2025. According to the Government's website, it says that up to six to nine months is how long it would take for the…
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Thank you, Art. Lynne, briefly, please. Thank you.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
No. Okay, Art, over to you. Thanks.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Do you still want to come in on school funding and infrastructure?
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Thank you, Sam. Thank you, Minister. We're on the last topic, you'll be pleased to hear. I know that time is tight, so we'll have to be quick as we draw to a close. Our final issue is school funding and infrastructure. Art, I'll bring you in in a moment…
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Yes, okay, Sam.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Thank you, Lynne. Catherine, if you could be as brief as possible, because we have one remaining theme and I am keen to bring Art in to discuss that final topic. Catherine, over to you, please.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Thank you very much, Minister. Before I bring Lynne in, I just wanted to note that we as a committee have noted safeguarding as a theme of great interest to us, in ensuring that we have the confidence that the Government and our local authorities realise the…
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Great. Thank you. So, time is tight now, as we have just over 15 minutes left. I want to move on to our next theme, which is safeguarding and well-being. I'd like to bring Beca in here, please.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Could we have an update to the committee when there is more information available?
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
In terms of the plans for the community-focused schools plus pilots, what schools will be included in that pilot scheme? How were they decided on, and to what extent will third sector partners participate in this work too?
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Diolch, Mair. Catherine, please, on attendance, I believe.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
Thank you. Mair, please.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
I'll bring Sam in now. I think you have a question, Sam, on education away from school.
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
We've got the data around persistent absence, and it is down from its spike in 2022-23, but not really improved over the past year. And, certainly, we're nowhere near the pre-pandemic levels, and we know that's the case with attendance as well, isn't it? So…
, Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee
Welsh Government Scrutiny Session
And I think it's also worth noting that among those who are excluded for a fixed period, the levels are far higher for those with ALN, and that is a very real concern for me. I've always said in life that all kinds of behaviour are a means of communication…
