Siambr · Lynne Neagle
Written questions
88 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 2 of 2.
WQ99292 · Tabled · Answered
What action will the Cabinet Minister take to respond to the issues raised in the Call for Evidence on the future of tertiary education?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The Call for Submissions invited stakeholders’ views on the key challenges facing the tertiary education sector in Wales. I will soon be publishing a summary report of the stakeholder responses, with a full thematic analysis report to be published later in the year.
The challenges set out in the Future of Tertiary Education in Wales evidence paper are comprehensive and significant. We will launch a review of higher education funding during the first 100 days of this government term. The findings of the Call for Submissions will assist the work of that review and wider policy development in my portfolio.
WQ99395 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish the 2025 Easnie Report into Additional Learning Needs in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The research undertaken by the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE) was commissioned by the previous administration as part of the review of the Additional Learning Needs legislative framework.
The research will be published, and I will ensure that the Member is informed when it is available.
WQ99383 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister commit to publishing the waiting times for access to psychological therapies?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Waiting time data on access to psychological interventions is already published by the Welsh Government, although officials are working with Digital Health and Care Wales to further strengthen data published on mental health services, including for specialist psychological therapies.
WQ99293 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the funding pressures for colleges arising from the number of full-time learners in further education?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Welsh Government recognises that FE colleges are experiencing challenges due to significant increases in learner numbers in recent years and are forecasting further increases in the 2026/27 academic year. Medr has allocated an additional investment of £6.25m, in the 2026-27 financial year to recognise increased participation numbers in tertiary education within FE.
The position is being monitored closely, and we will consider providing additional funding should it be available as part of our wider consideration of the overall government budget position.
WQ99291 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish the responses received to their call for evidence on the future of tertiary education?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Welsh Government is analysing the responses to the call for submissions, conducted under the last government.
76 responses were received from a range of stakeholders across the tertiary education and skills sector. Their views and input have been considered closely by officials and will inform our future policy development.
We will soon be publishing a summary report of stakeholder’s responses, to be followed by a full report in the autumn.
WQ99257 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to improve care for people with Huntington's disease through the development of an implementation plan for the quality statement for neurological conditions?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government wants to ensure that all people living with chronic neurological conditions, including Huntington's disease, have access to safe and high-quality services. This is at the heart of the Quality Statement for Neurological Conditions. The quality statement sets out clear expectations for neurological services in Wales, including the development of evidence‑based, integrated neuro‑rehabilitation services for all neurological conditions. This includes access to psychological support, improved service navigation, and opportunities for self‑referral for people living with, or affected by, neurological conditions such as Huntington’s disease. The new Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that this leads to improved outcomes of care for people with Huntington’s disease.
Health boards are expected to use the quality statement to underpin the planning and delivery of high-quality services in line with clinical standards and guidelines, including those from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The statement lays out quality attributes of Neurological Condition Services in Wales which include:
The Quality Statement for Mental Health outlines the planning expectations for the delivery of mental health services in Wales, including how we support people with a physical health diagnosis. Health boards will be supported to deliver the Quality Statement by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement.
WQ99256 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the implementation of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
As part of our monitoring arrangements, an Assurance Board took place on the 21st May where a detailed update on actions was provided across both the Mental Health and Wellbeing, and the Suicide Prevention and Self-harm strategies.
Given the breadth of actions in the strategies, the Welsh Government will provide regular updates on progress, with the first being made available in the summer. This update will comprise a summary report on activity and a more detailed report that captures progress against individual actions within the delivery plan.
WQ99255 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to improve care for people with Huntington's disease through the development of an implementation plan for the quality statement for mental health?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government wants to ensure that all people living with chronic neurological conditions, including Huntington's disease, have access to safe and high-quality services. This is at the heart of the Quality Statement for Neurological Conditions. The quality statement sets out clear expectations for neurological services in Wales, including the development of evidence‑based, integrated neuro‑rehabilitation services for all neurological conditions. This includes access to psychological support, improved service navigation, and opportunities for self‑referral for people living with, or affected by, neurological conditions such as Huntington’s disease. The new Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that this leads to improved outcomes of care for people with Huntington’s disease.
Health boards are expected to use the quality statement to underpin the planning and delivery of high-quality services in line with clinical standards and guidelines, including those from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The statement lays out quality attributes of Neurological Condition Services in Wales which include:
The Quality Statement for Mental Health outlines the planning expectations for the delivery of mental health services in Wales, including how we support people with a physical health diagnosis. Health boards will be supported to deliver the Quality Statement by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement.
WQ99252 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government defining a school library?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The planning of a programme to roll out library space across our primary schools forms part of our first 100‑day action plan. This commitment is also embedded within our wider Literacy and Numeracy Plan, which I intend to publish in the autumn.
Work is currently underway to develop detailed proposals, including how library provision will be defined, delivered and supported. It is, however, important to emphasise that our approach is focused on ensuring all learners have an effective space and adequate resources to support literacy development.
Our recently published Area Guidelines for Schools in Wales provide greater flexibility, allowing spaces to be thoughtfully designed and adapted to support a variety of learner needs, including the option for dedicated library areas. This enables schools to deliver high-quality reading provision in a way that reflects their local school environment and literacy ambitions.
WQ99251 · Tabled · Answered
How many young people in Wales have participated in the Seren programme in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Academi Seren participation data is not held on a fully comparable local authority basis across the last five academic years. Seren is delivered through a network of Hubs across Wales, with participation data primarily collected at this level. The configuration of Seren Hubs has also changed during this period.
The table below shows the number of learners who participated in each Hub over the last five academic years.
Academi Seren Hub
2024-25
2023-24
2022-23
2021-22
2020-21
Swansea
2,195
2,204
1,946
2,453
2,315
Education Achievement Service (Blaenau Gwent; Caerphilly; Monmouthshire; Newport; Torfaen)
2,513
2,916
2,937
2,542
1,081
Bridgend
1,527
1,529
1,132
1,094
814
Rhondda Cynon Taf
1,562
-
-
-
-
Merthyr
341
-
-
-
-
Rhondda Cynon and Merthyr
-
-
1,508
1,070
1,292
RCT, Merthyr and Neath Port Talbot
-
2,546
-
-
-
Cardiff
1,797
2,330
2,992
1,501
1,903
Vale of Glamorgan
1,651
1,374
1,303
2,966
1,604
Conwy and Denbighshire
1,393
1,314
1,311
1,257
1,150
Powys
1,214
1,172
913
873
364
Neath Port Talbot
1,043
-
1,141
1,209
1,112
Anglesey and Gwynedd
1,707
1,839
1,774
1,680
1,382
Ceredigion
-
-
-
-
775
Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
5,316
4,446
3,965
3,829
-
Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire
-
-
-
-
1,735
Wrexham
1,490
1,625
1,343
1,442
1,147
Total
23,749
23,295
22,265
21,916
16,674
Note: A dash (–) indicates that the Hub grouping was not in place in that academic year. As Hub structures changed, some local authority areas were included under different Hub groupings. For example, Ceredigion is shown as a standalone Hub in 2020–21, but is included within the Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Hub in subsequent years.
WQ99250 · Tabled · Answered
How many young people in Wales have participated in the Seren programme in each of the last five years?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The table below sets out the number of learners in Wales who participated in Academi Seren in each of the last five years:
Academic year
Number of participants
2024-2025
23,749
2023-2024
23,295
2022-2023
22,265
2021-2022
21,916
2020-2021
16,674
WQ99099 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister be continuing with the cross-government ministerial assurance board with Gwynedd Council established following the publication of Our Bravery Brought Justice?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
As stated by the Prif Weinidog in Plenary on 9 June 2026, the Ministerial Assurance Group will be continuing and is due to meet during the summer term.
WQ99077 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has Welsh Government given to the recent Supreme Court ruling that removes the framework known as Cheshire West and the impact it will have on the rights of patients in Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The law on mental capacity is not devolved in Wales, and the changes to the definition of a deprivation of liberty apply with immediate effect and across the UK.
We are considering the impact that the judgment by the Supreme Court will have on the application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and deprivation of liberty in Wales. We will continue to work with the UK Government to fully understand the potentially significant implications of the judgment and to ensure consistency in the message to local health boards and local authorities in Wales.
These changes are likely to reduce significantly the number of cases that will legally amount to a deprivation of liberty. We recognise that a cautious approach will be needed whilst the law is clarified in this area.
WQ99058 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Cabinet Minister monitor the implementation of the new statutory framework for youth work?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Following the publication of the statutory framework for youth work in March 2026, work is underway to explore the role and remit for a National Body for Youth Work in Wales.
The statutory framework requires local authorities to develop five-year strategic plans, the first of which are due for submission to Welsh Government in September 2026. To support implementation of this requirement, my officials are working closely with local authorities and partners in the voluntary sector.
A Delivery Board was established in late 2025, with representation from across the youth work sector, to provide leadership, challenge and advice to Welsh Government on the development of a National Body for Youth Work. Early engagement with wider stakeholders, including young people, is also underway.
WQ99057 · Tabled · Answered
What steps will the Cabinet Minister take to progress the national body for youth work?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Following the publication of the statutory framework for youth work in March 2026, work is underway to explore the role and remit for a National Body for Youth Work in Wales.
The statutory framework requires local authorities to develop five-year strategic plans, the first of which are due for submission to Welsh Government in September 2026. To support implementation of this requirement, my officials are working closely with local authorities and partners in the voluntary sector.
A Delivery Board was established in late 2025, with representation from across the youth work sector, to provide leadership, challenge and advice to Welsh Government on the development of a National Body for Youth Work. Early engagement with wider stakeholders, including young people, is also underway.
WQ99036 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish the names of the members of the Welsh Government's Childcare Expert Steering Group?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Substantive response
WQ98946 · Tabled · No answer published
What oversight does Welsh Government currently have of the welfare and management of semi-feral or common grazing ponies in upland areas?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
WQ98945 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to reviewing the Control of Horses (Wales) Act with a view to protecting the welfare of feral and semi-feral horses?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014 was introduced to tackle problems caused by horses that are fly‑grazing or abandoned. It gives local authorities powers to investigate and, where necessary, seize horses that are suffering or are fly grazing. It includes some basic welfare safeguards for horses that are seized and works alongside the animal welfare legislation. All horses are protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, also enforced by local authorities, which places a duty of care on those responsible for them to ensure their welfare needs are met.
There are currently no plans to review of the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014. However, its operation is kept under review through ongoing engagement with local authorities and equine welfare charities to monitor emerging issues and support collaborative, community‑led approaches.
The Welsh Government does not directly manage semi‑feral or common grazing pony populations. National Park Authorities and local authorities may play a role in shaping the conditions under which these ponies are managed, working in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including welfare charities. However, responsibility for day‑to‑day management largely rests with commoners, landowners and grazing organisations. Local initiatives exist to manage semi feral pony populations in parts of Wales, typically led by the welfare charities in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders.
WQ98935 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Government given to ensuring that there are parent-infant relationship teams and infant mental health teams in all parts of Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
There is a wider range of work across the Welsh Government that supports parent-infant relationships and infant mental health. This includes health led support, work in education and support for families. We will be led by the evidence as we develop support in Wales.
To promote the importance of infant mental health and parent infant relationships and the excellent work that is already happening in some parts of Wales we will soon be publishing a NYTH/NEST podcast with parent infant specialists.
WQ98934 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide a breakdown of each health board's compliance with the Royal College of Psychiatrists community perinatal mental health team standards?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
NHS Wales Performance and Improvement (NHS P&I) continue to monitor delivery of the Royal College of Psychiatry Perinatal Mental Health standards on a quarterly basis, with any issues being addressed via the NHS Wales performance system. This ensures that health board executive teams have continued oversight and will be held directly to account for their performance and any required improvement plans.
These standards are grouped into three types.
The last review of the standards was taken in March 2026; a summary is in the table below. Areas to be addressed to ensure 100% compliance of type 1 standards include a continued focus on psychological therapies and further development of peer support roles. Health boards continue to focus on achieving target compliance across the standards with support from NHS P&I.
Standard Type 1
Standard Type 2
Standard Type 3
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
97%
83%
76%
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
99%
98%
94%
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
98%
89%
94%
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
97%
89%
100%
Hywel Dda University Health Board
95%
98%
94%
Powys Teaching Health Board
97%
79%
67%
Swansea Bay University Health Board
99%
98%
82%
WQ98932 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Welsh Government monitor the use of any funding provided to health boards for services for people with long COVID?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Health boards receive funding for their Adferiad (Recovery) services for people with Long Covid and other post infection associated illness as part of their overall discretionary funding allocation. As such, that funding is not separately identified within financial monitoring returns.
From a policy perspective, monitoring and assurance is undertaken through submission of an annual report template, followed by a meeting with health board service leads.
WQ98931 · Tabled · Answered
What funding does the Welsh Government provide health boards for services for people with Long Covid?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Services for people with long Covid are provided through the Adferiad (Recovery) Programme, launched in 2021. Welsh Government provided £5 million per year of non-recurrent funding from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, this became recurrent funding and increased to £8 million to support the continued development of services and wider access for people with other post-infection associated chronic illnesses, including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), and those with similar persistent physical symptoms without a diagnostic label. Services continue to develop across Wales.
WQ98869 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Cabinet Minister plan to publish the IWPRB Report and teacher pay award recommendation for 2026/2027 in order that consultation can take place before the school summer holidays?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I have received the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body’s seventh report into teachers’ and leaders’ salary and allowances and I am giving careful consideration to its recommendations. I will publish the report and consult on a proposed pay award for 2026/27 in due course.
WQ98831 · Tabled · Answered
What estimate has the Government made of increase in childcare settings required to deliver 20 hours of universal free childcare from 9 months old?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I am working closely with officials to establish an expert steering group and a childcare taskforce in the Welsh civil service to firmly determine phased delivery of the new childcare offer.
Expansion of the workforce and growth within the sector is central to delivery and we are developing detailed projections with economists and analysts to outline the number of staff required and the areas in which they will be needed, working with the sector, local authorities and other partners.
Timings will be confirmed in due course.
WQ98830 · Tabled · Answered
What estimate has the Government made of how many new childcare workers will be required to deliver 20 hours of universal free childcare from 9 months old?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I am working closely with officials to establish an expert steering group and a childcare taskforce in the Welsh civil service to firmly determine phased delivery of the new childcare offer.
Expansion of the workforce and growth within the sector is central to delivery and we are developing detailed projections with economists and analysts to outline the number of staff required and the areas in which they will be needed, working with the sector, local authorities and other partners.
Timings will be confirmed in due course.
WQ98829 · Tabled · Answered
What estimate has the Government made of when 20 hours of free childcare will be available for all 2-year olds in Wales?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I am working closely with officials to establish an expert steering group and a childcare taskforce in the Welsh civil service to firmly determine phased delivery of the new childcare offer.
Expansion of the workforce and growth within the sector is central to delivery and we are developing detailed projections with economists and analysts to outline the number of staff required and the areas in which they will be needed, working with the sector, local authorities and other partners.
Timings will be confirmed in due course.
WQ98828 · Tabled · Answered
What estimate has the Government made of when 20 hours of free childcare will be available for all 1-year olds in Wales?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I am working closely with officials to establish an expert steering group and a childcare taskforce in the Welsh civil service to firmly determine phased delivery of the new childcare offer.
Expansion of the workforce and growth within the sector is central to delivery and we are developing detailed projections with economists and analysts to outline the number of staff required and the areas in which they will be needed, working with the sector, local authorities and other partners.
Timings will be confirmed in due course.
WQ98827 · Tabled · Answered
What estimate has the Government made of when 20 hours of free childcare will be available for all 9-month olds in Wales?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I am working closely with officials to establish an expert steering group and a childcare taskforce in the Welsh civil service to firmly determine phased delivery of the new childcare offer.
Expansion of the workforce and growth within the sector is central to delivery and we are developing detailed projections with economists and analysts to outline the number of staff required and the areas in which they will be needed, working with the sector, local authorities and other partners.
Timings will be confirmed in due course.
WQ98813 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Cabinet Minister monitor the implementation of the Whole School Approach in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
You will be aware that our manifesto for the 2026 election included a commitment to a wraparound approach on behaviour, attendance and wellbeing within education. This has been further built on in our ‘first 100 days’ commitment to begin work to pilot a new wraparound ‘Community Schools Plus’ programme, exploring how different funding streams can be consolidated to better embed specialist and trauma informed support to address mental health, wellbeing and behavioural challenges in our schools.
Wellbeing will be an important part of our priorities for education over the course of this government and in looking to take forward the manifesto and ‘first 100 days’ commitments. I want to ensure programmes of work are mutually supportive and improve overall effectiveness and efficiency. Ensuring future governance and monitoring arrangements are appropriate and proportionate to ensure work is having the desired impact will also be an important consideration of developing future activity.
WQ98812 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Cabinet Minister ensure the continued embedding of the Whole School Approach to Mental Health?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
You will be aware that our manifesto for the 2026 election included a commitment to a wraparound approach on behaviour, attendance and wellbeing within education. This has been further built on in our ‘first 100 days’ commitment to begin work to pilot a new wraparound ‘Community Schools Plus’ programme, exploring how different funding streams can be consolidated to better embed specialist and trauma informed support to address mental health, wellbeing and behavioural challenges in our schools.
Wellbeing will be an important part of our priorities for education over the course of this government and in looking to take forward the manifesto and ‘first 100 days’ commitments. I want to ensure programmes of work are mutually supportive and improve overall effectiveness and efficiency. Ensuring future governance and monitoring arrangements are appropriate and proportionate to ensure work is having the desired impact will also be an important consideration of developing future activity.
WQ98811 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Cabinet Minister intend to consult on a revised school-based counselling toolkit?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The School and Community-Based Counselling Operational Toolkit was last revised in 2020.
Our manifesto for the 2026 election included a commitment to a wraparound approach on behaviour, attendance and well-being within education. This has been built on with our ‘First 100 days’ commitment to begin work to pilot a new wrap-around ‘Community Schools Plus’ programme, exploring how different funding streams can be consolidated to better embed specialist and trauma informed support to address mental health, wellbeing and behavioural challenges in our schools.
School counselling services are an important part of ensuring children and young people can access high quality wellbeing support, seeing almost 13,500 people in the 2024-25 academic year. Working with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, my officials are developing a revision to the existing toolkit, which we intend to formally consult on. However, the exact timing is still to be agreed, having regard to the need to coordinate the range of activity across the education department in line with our manifesto commitments.
WQ98810 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on discussions with stakeholders on the electronic recording of safeguarding information in school management information systems as recommended by Our Bravery Brought Justice?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Welsh Government continues to engage with Management Information Systems (MIS) suppliers to support schools in recording safeguarding information effectively. This includes providing clear policy steer on schools’ safeguarding responsibilities so that suppliers can ensure their systems enable schools to meet those expectations as part of their day-to-day safeguarding practice.
WQ98809 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister publish the written updates requested from Regional Safeguarding Boards in response to Our Bravery Brought Justice?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
All six Regional Safeguarding Boards in Wales responded to the request for information, outlining the actions they and their partner agencies are taking in response to the learning identified in the Our Bravery Bought Justice Child Practice Review.
The Regional Safeguarding Boards recognise the seriousness of the Review and, as system leaders responsible for coordinating multi-agency safeguarding practice, have provided assurance that meaningful changes to practice are being implemented in response to its findings.
Across the Boards, there was evidence of considerable work being undertaken by the Boards themselves and constituent partner agencies to strengthen the voice of the child in safeguarding processes; improve training and build the confidence and knowledge of practitioners particularly around grooming and child sexual abuse and exploitation; increase the consistency and quality of recording and information-sharing; and tightening governance of allegation management.
Officials are considering the information to inform next steps.
WQ98808 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Cabinet Minister ensure the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework delivers the best outcomes for young people?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Equitable and consistent careers and work-related experiences is of course a vital aspect of learning. I met with Estyn last week and will continue to have conversations with them about how their inspection framework supports all learners’ personal development and future pathways, including careers. As part of their current arrangements, Estyn inspectors look at whether learners receive appropriate advice and guidance about next steps in education, training or employment and whether advice and guidance is impartial and tailored to individual learners’ needs.
WQ98807 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Cabinet Minister intend to support Careers Wales's tailored work experience programme?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
I recognise the value Careers Wales’s personalised, tailored work experience (TWE) programme plays in supporting young people who face additional barriers, helping them to build confidence, develop employability skills and make informed positive choices about their future pathways
Through our sponsorship of Careers Wales we will continue to support the development and delivery of TWE. Careers Wales has increased dedicated TWE staffing from two to eight full-time equivalent roles, allowing the programme to be delivered across Wales. As a result, the number of placements offered will increase from 100 in 2025–26 to 500 in 2026–27.
Careers Wales is also developing targeted pilot TWE activity, including a focus on learners with additional learning needs and a potential closer alignment with junior apprenticeship pathways.
WQ98806 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Cabinet Minister have to discuss with Estyn whether the Common Inspection Framework for Schools could be strengthened to ensure more consistent access to careers guidance in schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Equitable and consistent careers and work-related experiences is of course a vital aspect of learning. I met with Estyn last week and will continue to have conversations with them about how their inspection framework supports all learners’ personal development and future pathways, including careers. As part of their current arrangements, Estyn inspectors look at whether learners receive appropriate advice and guidance about next steps in education, training or employment and whether advice and guidance is impartial and tailored to individual learners’ needs.
WQ98653 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister making sure Help is at Hand Cymru is accessible to people bereaved by suicide?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government is taking steps to ensure that Help is at Hand Cymru is accessible to people bereaved by suicide with a digital version made available on the Suicide and Self-harm Programme (SSHP) website.
To enhance accessibility, a short, bilingual “What Happens Next?” information and support booklet which is based on Help is at Hand Cymru has been developed. The booklet has been co-produced with stakeholders and individuals with lived experience, ensuring that the information is both relevant and sensitive to the needs of those affected.
The booklet is scheduled for printing in spring 2026 and will be widely disseminated through key touchpoint agencies and third sector organisations, including the police, coroner’s offices, mortuaries, funeral directors, and bereavement support services. This approach is intended to ensure that timely and appropriate information is made available to individuals at the earliest stages following a bereavement.
WQ98572 · Tabled · Answered
What representations has the Government made to the UK Government about accessing the DWP data necessary for the Cynnal payment?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Substantive response
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.