National Assembly for Wales

We are introducing a new National Procurement Service agency framework that supports fair work; piloting school-based supply cluster arrangements as an alternative direct employment model; developing plans to introduce quality assurance standards and delivering on our commitment to fund professional learning for all teachers including supply teachers.  

GCSE summer outcomes remained broadly stable considering the impact of a change in early entry activity and the introduction of 15 new examinations. It was particularly pleasing to see improvement at the top grades from the previous year, which will help pupils go on to further study or training.

We strive to ensure that excellent facilities are available to our learners. Our twenty-first century schools and education programme has encompassed a wide variety of schemes catering for the different needs of all learners and communities.

Local authorities are responsible for planning of school places. When proposing significant changes to schools they must comply with the school organisation code and take into account a range of factors, the prime consideration being the interests of learners. Proposals affecting school sixth forms require the approval of Welsh Ministers.

Twenty-nine new GCSEs and 29 A-Levels have been introduced in Wales following the review of qualifications in 2012. The new qualifications have been rolled out over three years between 2015 and 2017 and over £10 million was made available to support schools with their introduction.

The packaging of medicines in the UK is governed by requirements set out in guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and by regulations.

I welcome NICE’s consultation. The draft guideline is consistent with the recommendations made in July by the Welsh mesh and tape task and finish group in relation to the use of non-surgical options as a first resort and other key aspects of clinical practice.e.

The Welsh Government is taking a range of action to raise awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol misuse. These include funding Alcohol Concern Cymru Wales to deliver ongoing campaigns, promotion of the chief medical officer alcohol guidelines, and promotion of the public health messages associated with the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018.

We are working closely with health boards and Health Education and Improvement Wales through our successful national and international marketing campaign 'Train. Work. Live.' to recruit and retain healthcare professionals with positive results.

The health board is working to improve the provision of dental services. This includes developing a strategy and the operational detail required to deliver the required improvements. I expect to see sustained action at pace to replace provision lost as a result of practice closures.

Welsh Government has established the new treatment fund, backed by £16 million a year of additional funding. By the end of October, the new treatment fund had provided patients throughout Wales with faster access to 146 new medicines for a wide range of medical conditions.

All care homes in Wales are regulated by Care Inspectorate Wales, on behalf of Welsh Ministers. Regular inspections take place under the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, and action is taken where necessary to ensure the quality and safety of services for people in Wales.