National Assembly for Wales

The foundation phase is the bedrock of our education system and has been identified as a significant strength of current educational practice in Wales.

I have taken action to support budgets for local authorities in order to safeguard front-line services in schools. Educational funding remains a key priority for this Government, in spite of continued austerity.

I introduced pupil development grant—access in 2018-19 to provide additional support directly to families who need it most, helping them with some of the costs of the school day. This includes help for extra-curricular activities such as scouts, guides or sports. In 2019-20, we have more than doubled this funding. 

The twenty-first century schools and education programme has already delivered schools and colleges across Wales that incorporate valuable community resources, including those in Islwyn High School. In our second wave of investment, we will continue to invest in facilities that benefit the wider community, including wider asset use and co-location of services.

Local authorities are responsible for funding schools in Wales. Welsh Government has prioritised support for schools through the local government settlement. We also continue to provide significant additional grant funding to support our educational reforms and improve outcomes for learners.

We recognise the importance of people being aware of the symptoms of cancer, including ovarian cancer. It is vitally important cancers are diagnosed in earlier, more treatable stages. If people have concerns about significant symptoms or prolonged changes in their physical health, then we encourage people to see their GP.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board is currently implementing changes to vascular services, which were publically consulted on and agreed in January 2013 as part of its service change programme. We anticipate the service will be operational from 8 April 2019.

The Welsh Government is improving the provision of autism services. As well as implementing the ASD strategic action plan, including through the roll-out of the integrated autism services, I will also issue a code of practice on the delivery of autism services in order to guide service change.

The 'Together for Mental Health in North Wales 'strategy was published in 2017. The local health board’s all-age strategy was co-produced with service users and key partners in north Wales and outlines its approach to responding to mental health issues for people of all ages.

Immunisation uptake rates in Wales remain at the top of international benchmarks and are comparable to other UK countries. The vast majority of children in Wales are fully immunised before they start school. Immunisation programmes are vital to protect individual children against preventable diseases and to provide herd immunity.

I announced on 5 March that free sanitary products will be available to all women in Welsh hospitals. I have asked officials to work with NHS Wales to implement this policy as soon as possible.

The principle of ‘investigate once, investigate well’ is central to 'Putting Things Right'. It ensures complaints are investigated in a proportionate and consistent manner and complainants receive a response that addresses the concerns they have raised. If a complainant remains dissatisfied, they can contact the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.