National Assembly for Wales

In line with my ambitions set out in the national mission and the four core purposes of the new curriculum, school international links are important to develop our young people into global citizens. There is a raft of activity under way, including the Connecting Classrooms programme.

The school admissions code imposes requirements on local authorities and admission authorities regarding the discharge of their duties in respect of school admissions. We plan to review the code in the autumn term.

The foundation phase is the bedrock of our education system. We intend to build on the strengths of the foundation phase in developing the new curriculum and assessment arrangements in Wales.

The Welsh Government contributes to sharing best practice through initiatives such as the national networks of excellence and the National Academy for Education Leadership. We work with partners such as local authorities, regional consortia, Estyn and schools to build a self-improving education system as described in ‘Our national mission’.

I want all young people to have the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity. The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 provide the minimum requirements for 'team game playing fields' that must be provided for schools for pupils who are eight years old and above.

Aled Roberts was appointed in February 2018 to take forward the recommendations of the rapid review of Welsh in education strategic plans. An advisory board has been established to support this work and met for the first time on 17 May 2018.

Welsh Government is committed to improving the skills levels of young people. We are supporting people into work, raising engagement and employment and realising the full potential of skills for the Welsh economy. We are aligning skills provision with growth opportunities in each region, working with regional skills partnerships.

Hywel Dda university health board is currently consulting on its proposals to transform community and hospital services in mid and west Wales, including Pembrokeshire. I encourage everyone with an interest to engage in the consultation and have their say in helping to shape future services for the region.

As part of 'Taking Wales Forward 2016-2021' we have committed to provide support and services to veterans and serving personnel in line with our armed forces covenant. We will ensure our veterans continue to receive healthcare that meets their needs and maintain the valuable national Veterans NHS Wales service.

The NHS in Wales is committed to providing the highest quality healthcare, continually improving its services in order to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Wales. When things go wrong we require a full and transparent investigation to ensure learning for improvement. 

The Welsh Government has adopted a zero tolerance of fraud, bribery and corruption in NHS Wales, which is unacceptable, as it takes away vital resources intended for the provision of high-quality patient care.

Improving health for everyone, especially those in poverty, is a central ambition of 'Prosperity for All'. We are prioritising actions to both tackle the root causes of poverty and target support for people within the most deprived areas of Wales. We are also focused on improving access to healthcare and addressing unhealthy behaviours.

I have made it clear the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board must continue to manage local capacity in all settings and ensure that the local emergency system is flexible in responding to peaks in demand, such as those experienced over the busy winter months.

The Welsh Government expects people affected by mesothelioma to receive appropriate treatment and support from the NHS in Wales. This includes support to participate in clinical trials of new treatments.

A seamless, integrated service is at the heart of how we improve well-being. The Minister for Children, Older People and Social Care and I have set out expectations for timing and progress with local government leaders, cabinet members, the Welsh Local Government Association council and health board leaders to support the implementation of the parliamentary review recommendations.