Written question WQ98314
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to introducing a unified national policy requiring all local authorities to provide free home-to-school transport to the nearest Welsh-medium secondary school for learners in year 7 to year 13?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
The Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 sets out the national statutory framework for home-to-school transport in Wales. It requires local authorities to provide free transport for primary pupils living more than 2 miles and secondary pupils living more than 3 miles from their nearest suitable school. This piece of legislation provides a unified national policy across Wales for compulsory school aged learners. Section 10 of the Measure places a duty on local authorities and Welsh Minister to promote access to education and training through the medium of the Welsh language when exercising functions under this Measure.
The Welsh Government have recently organised a series of workshops, with key stakeholders and delivery partners to review specific challenge areas, including equitable access to Welsh medium education.