Written question WQ99218
- Asked by
- Sam RowlandsConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 11 days
Question
Does the Cabinet Minister have plans to introduce a dedicated attendance code for learners participating in live online education, rather than classifying such provision as authorised absence under the proposed C5 attendance code?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language (Anna Brychan)
A consultation on a revised set of school attendance codes was published on 12 February and closed on 26 March 2026. Following consideration of the responses to the consultation, the Welsh Government will introduce new codes (B1 and B2) to more appropriately recognise participation in live online education as approved educational activity, rather than authorised absence. These codes distinguish between provision arranged by the local authority and that provided directly by schools. In all cases, the use will be contingent on appropriate safeguarding arrangements being in place, ensuring that learners are supported to engage safely and effectively in online provision. A full summary of responses to the consultation was published on 18 June 2026.