Written question WQ89669
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 11 days
Question
Does the Minister have plans to re-evaluate how children in hospitals access education in light of the finding of the Children's Commissioner for Wales's spotlight report into educational provision for children and young people in healthcare settings in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
All children have the right to a full education, regardless of their circumstances. This includes children who are in hospital.
I will be consulting on education other than at school (EOTAS) referral and commissioning guidance next year. The guidance will set out the statutory duties placed on local authorities to provide EOTAS for children who, for whatever reason cannot attend school. My officials will be engaging with a range of stakeholders, including officers from the Commissioner’s office in developing this guidance.
We will monitor the implementation of the guidance and will commission research to evaluate how effectively the framework has been implemented.
I will shortly be responding formally to the recommendations made in the Children’s Commissioner for Wales spotlight report and will also discuss the findings and recommendations with the Commissioner during one of our regular meetings.