Written question WQ89085
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 14 days
Question
What steps will the Minister take to ensure that disadvantaged primary school learners don’t miss out on language, STEM, and music programmes?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
We offer a range of programmes to support disadvantaged learners, recognising the role of the curriculum in raising aspirations for all.
The Global Futures programme provides funding for Regional Education Consortia and Partnerships to support primary schools to provide tailored international language support across their regions, recognising where specific support is required within their primary schools.
Our STEM initiatives include a focus on under-represented groups, and this work is supported by the Equity in STEM Board, chaired by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, which provides strategic direction to improve equity in STEM-related study and careers in Wales. This financial year, we have provided almost £1.5m in grant funding to support the delivery of STEM initiatives in schools, including primary schools, across Wales.
We have provided £13.5m for our National Music Service between 2022 and 2025. It focuses on supporting children from low-income households and disadvantaged learners, including those with Additional Learning Needs.