​Cwestiynau Ysgrifenedig y Cynulliad a gyflwynwyd ar 6 Gorffennaf 2016 i'w hateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

R - Yn dynodi bod yr Aelod wedi datgan buddiant.
W - Yn dynodi bod y cwestiwn wedi'i gyflwyno yn Gymraeg.

(Dangosir rhif gwreiddiol y Cwestiwn mewn cromfachau)

Mae'n rhaid cyflwyno Cwestiynau Ysgrifenedig o leiaf bum diwrnod gwaith cyn y maent i gael eu hateb.  Yn ymarferol, bydd Gweinidogion yn ceisio ateb o fewn saith neu wyth diwrnod ond nid oes rheidrwydd arnynt i wneud hynny. Caiff yr atebion eu cyhoeddi yn yr iaith y maent yn cael eu darparu, gyda chyfieithiad i'r Saesneg o ymatebion a ddarperir yn Gymraeg.

Gofyn i Brif Weinidog Cymru

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog amlinellu amserlen, strwythur a chylch gwaith 'tîm arbenigol' Llywodraeth Cymru ym Mrwsel, fel y cyhoeddwyd ar 28 Mehefin? (WAQ70616)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

Prif Weinidog Cymru (Carwyn Jones): The Welsh Government’s European Office in Brussels provides specialist support on European Union work. This platform will be supplemented by additional expertise from across the Welsh Government as negotiations develop in the months and years ahead.

Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi a'r Seilwaith

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu ei gynlluniau cefnogaeth ar gyfer busnesau yng Nghymru yn sgil canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE? (WAQ70612)

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau a yw wedi siarad ag arweinwyr busnesau yng Nghymru yn sgil canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE? (WAQ70613)

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu'r trafodaethau y mae wedi'u cael â Llywodraeth y DU mewn cysylltiad â busnesau yng Nghymru a mynediad at y Farchnad Sengl? (WAQ70615)

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu ei gynlluniau ar gyfer cefnogi a diogelu twf economaidd yng Nghymru yn dilyn canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE? (WAQ70622)

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A yw'r Gweinidog wedi asesu cyllideb ei adran ers canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE ac, os felly, a wnaiff roi manylion cyllid a ddarperir gan yr Undeb Ewropeaidd i brosiectau penodol ar gyfer 2017-18 sydd o dan ei gylch gwaith?  (WAQ70623)

Answer received on 13 July 2016

Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi a'r Seilwaith (Ken Skates): There are significant challenges ahead as a result of the EU referendum. I have been meeting with businesses and am undertaking a range of measures to provide assurance and maintain business confidence including a programme of business engagement and a drive to support Welsh exporters.
We are currently assessing the impact on our funding but we have made it clear that the money that comes into Wales from the EU must now be replaced by money from the UK Government and the First Minister has written to the Prime Minister asking for confirmation that every penny of this funding is safe. We have also made it clear that Wales must be fully involved in negotiations on the terms and timing of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cael â Bwrdd Uchelgais Economaidd Gogledd Cymru yn dilyn canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE? (WAQ70619)

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau na chaiff canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE unrhyw effaith ar gyllid a glustnodwyd ar gyfer twf gogledd Cymru? (WAQ70620)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

Ken Skates: I am in regular dialogue with the North Wales Economic Ambition Board. On 8 July, I held a North Wales Summit, at which the Ambition Board was represented, to seek agreement on defining a coherent regional vision which aligns with the proposed Northern Powerhouse.
On 30 June, I issued a statement in which I stressed that my priority, following the EU Referendum result, is to maintain economic confidence and stability and protect jobs across all parts of Wales.

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ei drafodaethau â Llywodraeth y DU ynghylch dyfodol Gwaith Dur Tata ym Mhort Talbot? (WAQ70624)

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu ei gynlluniau ar gyfer cefnogi'r diwydiant dur yng Nghymru yn dilyn canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE? (WAQ70625)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

Ken Skates: Our discussions with the UK Government are ongoing. Many of our discussions are, of course, commercially sensitive. I up-dated Members on those areas I am able to share during a Debate in the Chamber on 6 July. I also provided Members with a full up-date regarding our support for the steel industry following the EU referendum result.

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): Pa gamau y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i sicrhau y caiff cyfleusterau hanfodol ar gyfer gorffwyso a gwasanaethau eu darparu mewn cynlluniau yn y dyfodol ar gyfer ffordd liniaru'r M4?  (WAQ70626)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

Ken Skates: Our plan for the M4 Corridor around Newport will provide quicker, shorter and more reliable journeys between existing services at junction 30 and junction 23a, which will in turn enhance driver safety on our network. 

Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru):
Mewn perthynas â WAQ70336 a WAQ70338, a wnaiff y Gweinidog roi'r nifer a'r gwerth ariannol y gwnaed cais amdanynt yn wreiddiol? (WAQ70627)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

Ken Skates: I have commissioned an exercise across my department to assist in the development of a new economic strategy for Wales.  This exercise includes an analysis on the grants and loans to businesses.  This exercise is ongoing.

Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gymunedau a Phlant

Mark Isherwood (Gogledd Cymru): Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cael â Chomisiynwyr Heddlu a Throseddu i fynd i'r afael â throseddau casineb yng Nghymru ers mis Mai 2016? (WAQ70628)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gymunedau a Phlant (Carl Sargeant): I have spoken to each Commissioner individually since becoming the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children. I also attended the All Wales Policing Group on Monday 4 July 2016, where I stressed the importance of responding appropriately to reports of hate crime, particularly in the wake of the EU Referendum.

Mark Isherwood (Gogledd Cymru): Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'u cael â sefydliadau'r trydydd sector ynghylch cysylltiadau hiliol yng Nghymru, ers mis Mai 2016? (WAQ70629)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Carl Sargeant: I have written to stakeholders setting out a clear and strong message that they should continue to urge victims to come forward and report incidences of suspected hate crimes and to reiterate that this Government continues to take a zero tolerance approach.

Mark Isherwood (Gogledd Cymru): Gan fod Race Council Cymru wedi canfod yn 2015 fod 81 y cant o Bobl Dduon a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig a ymatebod i'w arolwg wedi dod ar draws hiliaeth yn ystod y pum mlynedd diwethaf, a wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu ei gynlluniau ar hyn o bryd, a'i flaenoriaethau strategol dros gyfnod y Cynulliad hwn i fynd i'r afael â senoffobia, hiliaeth a gwahaniaethu ar sail crefydd yng Nghymru?  (WAQ70630)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Carl Sargeant: Tackling Hate Crimes and Incidents: A Framework for Action sets out this Government's commitment to challenge hostility and prejudice across protected characteristics including race and faith. Progress and actions are updated annually to demonstrate progress and I will be publishing an update of the 2015/16 Delivery Plan later this month, alongside a new 2016-17 plan.

Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a Llywodraeth Leol

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog nodi ei drafodaethau â Changhellor y Trysorlys ers canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE? (WAQ70614)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a Llywodraeth Leol (Mark Drakeford): Wales, as a net beneficiary of EU funding, must not lose out as a result of the recent referendum.  The case for the £600 million per year which the EU has committed to Wales still stands.

I recently met the Finance Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland and the implications of the EU referendum outcome on the devolved administrations were at the forefront of our discussions.  We have written jointly to the Chancellor outlining our collective concerns around the EU referendum outcome and the resulting impact on devolved budgets.

I am also meeting the Chief Secretary to the Treasury later this month.  I will be clear that the UK Government must guarantee that every penny of EU funding will be replaced.

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau a yw wedi cael trafodaethau â Llywodraeth y DU ynghylch Cytundebau Dinas Caerdydd ac Abertawe ers canlyniad refferendwm y DU ac, os felly, a wnaiff roi manylion y trafodaethau hynny? (WAQ70617)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 14 Gorffennaf 2016

Mark Drakeford: I remain committed to progressing all Deals in Wales.  There were extensive discussions between Welsh and UK Ministers during the Fourth Assembly in the creation of the Cardiff Capital Region Deal. 

This Ministerial level dialogue will continue as the Swansea Bay City Deal is developed and the Cardiff Capital Region Deal enters the delivery phase.

On-going discussions will seek to ensure we bring these opportunities to fruition for the benefit of both regions.

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau y bydd yn gweithio gyda Llywodraeth y DU i sicrhau y bydd prosiectau seilwaith a gyhoeddwyd ar gyfer Cymru yn parhau yn sgil canlyniad Refferendwm yr UE? (WAQ70618)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

Mark Drakeford: The First Minister has written to the UK Government Prime Minister calling for a guarantee that Wales should not lose out from an EU withdrawal, including EU funds allocated to Wales.
On 5 July, I spoke with the UK Minister for Europe, David Lidington MP, to reiterate this message so planned infrastructure investments, including Phase 2 of the Metro, are not put at risk.
While Brexit arrangements are being made for the longer term, we are continuing to invest EU funds in projects, as citizens, businesses and communities need this investment.
I will be speaking regularly with Ministers from the UK Government and from the other Devolved Administrations so we are fully involved in negotiations on the terms of a Brexit and the best possible deal for Wales is secured.

Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi manylion prosiectau seilwaith yng Nghymru a glustnodwyd i gael cyllid yr UE tan 2020? (WAQ70621)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 13 Gorffennaf 2016

Mark Drakeford: As agreed with the European Commission, European Structural Funds 2014-2020 have been earmarked for the following infrastructure schemes relating to connectivity:

• South Wales Metro Phase 1 and Phase 2, led by the Welsh Government; and
• TEN-T road network improvements to the A40 and A55, led by the Welsh Government.

Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg 

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am drefniadau cynllunio'r gweithlu addysg a'r camau y mae'n eu cymryd i sicrhau bod digon o gyflenwad o staff ar gyfer ysgolion Cymru? (WAQ70596)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg (Kirsty Williams): We have a Teacher Planning and Supply Model (TPSM) which is used to inform decisions on intake targets for Initial Teacher Education Training (ITET). The TPSM projects the desired number of teachers required based on pupil projections and current pupil-teacher ratios. It also projects the number of in-service teachers and the subsequent over or under supply of teachers, given flows in and out of service. These flows cover the in-flow of newly qualified teachers and re-entrants to teaching in Wales, and the loss of teachers due to retirements and other reasons for leaving.
In addition, we are working on bringing regulations into force which would enable the collection of a greater level of information on the school workforce in Wales. This will help to consolidate and improve our school workforce intelligence and to enable effective workforce planning to ensure that the right people with the right skills are deployed to provide a committed and motivated workforce.
We have kept ITET intake targets at a steady state in recent years following a period of substantial reduction to overall numbers and while the review and reform of ITET is underway. The Welsh Government encourages all three ITET Centres to actively promote their courses to attract and recruit the very best and brightest individuals with the right skills and personal qualities to consider teaching as a career.
Financial incentives are currently available to attract graduates with the highest levels of subject knowledge onto postgraduate ITET programmes. In recent years the Welsh Government has targeted the highest levels of financial support toward attracting graduates with high levels of subject knowledge in the secondary designated priority recruitment subjects of mathematics, chemistry, physics, Welsh, foreign languages and computer science. Financial incentives are also currently available for graduates considering primary teaching and those wishing to train to teach through the medium of Welsh. For academic year 2016/17 training incentives of up to £20,000 will be available to support graduate students who want to train to teach key recruitment priority subjects in our schools. Eligible Welsh students will also be entitled to a tuition fee grant to support their studies.
Welsh Government also operates employment-based teacher training routes which enables individuals, whilst undertaking their teacher training and working towards achieving QTS, to be employed as unqualified teachers in a school. This flexibility offers the opportunity to commence a career in teaching, whilst also receiving a consistent salary for the duration – which is vital to career changers and those with family and financial commitments.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am y nifer o athrawon ychwanegol a ragwelir y bydd eu hangen i weithredu ymrwymiad Llywodraeth Cymru i gyfyngu maint dosbarthiadau i uchafswm o 25? (WAQ70597)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 23 Hydref 2017
 
Kirsty Williams: Whilst I have asked my officials to scope out options to reduce class sizes, I am not in a position to state what additional staff will be required.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am yr amserlen ar gyfer gweithredu ymrwymiad Llywodraeth Cymru i gyfyngu maint dosbarthiadau i uchafswm o 25? (WAQ70598)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 23 Hydref 2017​
 
Kirsty Williams: I have identified as a key priority, the need to reduce workload and to enable teachers to spend more time supporting pupils. I am not yet prepared to set out the timetable for this action. In the meantime, our existing school improvement initiatives will continue to promote higher standards. 

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am yr amserlen ar gyfer cyflwyno Cronfa Waddol Gerddoriaeth yng Nghymru a'r cyllid y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu ei roi i'r gronfa honno? (WAQ70599)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: The Music Services Task and Finish Group, set up by my predecessor in early 2015, laid out several recommendations for safeguarding opportunities for young people in Wales to access music related activities. These recommendations were accepted in in October 2015. One of the accepted recommendations was the commissioning of a feasibility study to investigate the possibility and parameters for the establishment of a National Endowment for Music. The endowment would support the development of opportunities for young people to realise their possibilities through music skills and talents.

Trio consulting was commissioned by the Arts Council of Wales to undertake a feasibility study on the establishment of the endowment, which was presented to the previous Minister for Education and Skills and Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism in December 2015.

This endowment could potentially unlock new and exciting opportunities for young people in Wales. However, it is of the upmost importance that the process of bringing it into being is considered carefully. Consultation and planning must involve a comprehensive range of potential partners and beneficiaries to ensure that it maximises the opportunities it can deliver for the young people of Wales; especially those who may face barriers to accessing existing music education opportunities.

Over the coming weeks I will be discussing with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure how we take the endowment forward and to agree the timetable. 

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am ddyfodol Cyngor Cyllido Addysg Uwch Cymru, gan gynnwys unrhyw gynlluniau sydd ganddi i ddiwygio'r Cyngor a chostau posibl unrhyw waith diwygio a ragwelir? (WAQ70600)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: The previous Minister for Education and Skills commissioned a review of the oversight and regulation of post-compulsory education and training in Wales in response to the growing diversification of provision and increasing complexity of oversight arrangements.
Professor Hazelkorn’s report, which was published in March, provides a very comprehensive analysis of the current arrangements for oversight and regulation and contains a number of proposals intended to create a sustainable, coherent and competitive PCET system for Wales. Her recommendations included a proposal to establish a Tertiary Education Authority which would replace HEFCW.
Professor Hazelkorn’s review provides a real opportunity for us to rethink our post-compulsory education system and it is essential that we consider her proposals carefully to ensure that any replacement system ensures the best opportunities and outcomes for learners. I will issue a response once I have had an opportunity to fully consider the findings and recommendations contained in the report, including any potential implications for learners, for HEFCW and for the sector as a whole.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i hybu'r defnydd o adeiladau ysgolion gan gymunedau lleol y tu allan i dymor ac oriau agor arferol yr ysgol? (WAQ70601)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: The 21st Century Schools Programme requires all projects to include community benefits. Band A of the Programme will see a £1.4 billion investment in the rebuild and refurbishment of over 150 schools and colleges across Wales over the five year period ending 2019.
Local authorities are encouraged to think innovatively about the provision of services in their area and achieve the best value for money, for example, the opportunity to co-locate services e.g. housing a local library at the school. We also encourage local authorities to consider opportunities for community use of assets, for example use of sports facilities.
In law the governing body is responsible for the control of school premises both within and outside school hours subject to any directions by the local authority and any transfer of control agreement in place.

The previous Minister for Education and Skills asked the Public Policy Institute Wales to provide expert advice on how school facilities can be used more extensively by communities. The PPIW’s report entitled ‘Increasing the use of School Facilities was published last March. I intend to consider the report and its recommendations in taking this forward.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am faint y mae Lywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu ei fuddsoddi mewn adeiladau ysgolion newydd yn ystod y Pumed Cynulliad? (WAQ70602)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: Band A of the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme extends over the five year period ending 31 March 2019. During this wave of investment, £1.4 billion will be invested in the rebuild and refurbishment of over 150 schools and colleges across Wales.
My officials are currently undertaking work to plan and develop the second wave of investment, which runs from 2019 – 2024. A £500 million revenue budget for this work has already been announced, and further work is being undertaken to establish the need for investment in educational infrastructure in Wales to inform additional budget allocation.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ynghylch a oes ganddi unrhyw gynlluniau i newid y fethodoleg ar gyfer ariannu ysgolion a / neu awdurdodau lleol yng Nghymru? (WAQ70603)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: There are no current proposals to review the way in which schools are funded in Wales. Local authorities are responsible for school funding, and this is set out in law in Wales. The funding which the Welsh Government provides for statutory age education in schools is delivered through the Local Government Revenue Settlement Revenue Support Grant. This funding is not ring-fenced as the Welsh Government considers that local authorities are best placed to judge local needs and circumstances and to fund schools accordingly.
In terms of the funding methodology for local authorities, this is properly a matter for the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government. I understand the Settlement is kept under an annual programme of review which is overseen by a working group of experts from across Wales, including representatives from the Welsh Local Government Association and local authorities.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): Fesul awdurdod lleol yng Nghymru, faint o ysgolion cyfrwng Cymraeg a gafodd eu cau ym mhob un o'r 10 mlynedd diwethaf? (WAQ70604)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 14 gorffennaf 2016

Gweinidog y Gymraeg a Dysgu Gydol Oes (Alun Davies): The requested information is in the attached table.
This information does not include the schools involved in amalgamations where schools close and are replaced by new schools either on existing sites or new sites.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): Fesul awdurdod lleol yng Nghymru, faint o ysgolion ffydd a gafodd eu cau ym mhob un o'r 10 mlynedd diwethaf? (WAQ70605)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: The information you requested is in the attached table.
 
This information does not include the schools involved in amalgamations where schools close and are replaced by new schools either on existing sites or new sites. 

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): Fesul awdurdod lleol yng Nghymru, faint o ysgolion a gynhelir a gafodd eu cau ym mhob un o'r 10 mlynedd diwethaf? (WAQ70606)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: The information you requested is in the attached table.
This information does not include the schools involved in amalgamations where schools close and are replaced by new schools either on existing sites or new sites.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am gyfanswm y cyllid a ddyrannwyd i bob awdurdod lleol yng Nghymru fel rhan o'r Rhaglen Ysgolion y 21ain Ganrif bob blwyddyn ers ei sefydlu? (WAQ70607)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams:  The 21^st Century Schools and Education Programme is a strategic capital investment Programme that will see investment of £1.4 billion over the five year period ending 2019. 
 
Each local authority area in Wales has a funding envelope agreed in principle; individual schemes are then approved for release of funding subject to the provision of an appropriate business case.  Following approval of business cases, funding is drawn down by local authorities as projects progress through construction.
 
Funding is provided 50% from the Welsh Government and 50% from local authorities.
 
The table below includes funding paid out since the launch of the 21^st Century Schools and Education Programme in 2014, which is then match funded by local authorities.  It excludes transitional 21^st Century Schools funding of £443 million, which was available from 2012.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu sut mae ei hadran wedi bod yn ymgysylltu ag ysgolion arloesi hyd yn hyn? (WAQ70608)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams:  The Pioneer Schools Network is facilitated by the Welsh Government and supported by an all-Wales partnership that includes Estyn, regional consortia, wider school networks, curriculum and assessment experts, and Qualifications Wales.  It has developed during this academic year and focussed on three areas – design and development of the Digital Competence Framework; design and development of the new curriculum and assessment arrangements; and workforce development. During this time Welsh Government has: -

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog neu ei swyddogion wedi'u cael â chyfoedion yn Llywodraeth yr Alban ynghylch eu profiadau o ddiwygio cwricwlwm a sut mae hyn wedi llywio ei chynlluniau o ran gweithredu'r gwaith o ddiwygio'r cwricwlwm yng Nghymru? (WAQ70609)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams:  Welsh Government officials have had various discussions with counterparts in the Scottish Government. There is much we can learn from Scotland's experience as well as many other countries and education systems that have made or are considering curriculum and wider system reforms.  However, from the outset it was agreed this would be a 'made in Wales' curriculum.  We are not into a copy cat approach however we will draw on national and international thinking and best practice. 

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): Pa ystyriaeth y mae'r Gweinidog wedi'i rhoi i ganfyddiadau adolygiad y grŵp arbenigol o gwricwlwm ar gyfer rhagoriaeth Llywodraeth yr Alban ac a wnaiff ddatganiad ar unrhyw gamau y mae'n bwriadu eu cymryd o ganlyniad? (WAQ70610)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: Our approach to curriculum reform in Wales will continue to draw on and learn from national and international thinking and best practice. As part of this, I and my officials have given consideration to the findings of the report ‘Improving Schools in Scotland: An OECD perspective’.
For example, the report highlighted the vital role the ‘middle tier’ can play in education reform. From the outset Welsh Government has worked with Local Authorities, their regional consortia and the WLGA to design and facilitate our approach to education reform. We will continue to work with our ‘middle tier’ colleagues as the reform process progresses.
Furthermore, as set out in ‘A curriculum for Wales: a curriculum for life’ our plan for education reform draws together the recommendations in Professor Donaldson’s report, Successful Futures, with our plans to develop the capacity and capability of our workforce and to take forward the recommendations in Teaching Tomorrows Teachers.

Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): Pa gyllid y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i ddarparu i gefnogi datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus ym mhob un o'r tair blynedd diwethaf? (WAQ70611)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 12 Gorffennaf 2016

Kirsty Williams: Continuing professional development forms a critical part of our wider school improvement agenda and an essential part of the support and investment that we make in support staff, teachers and leaders in Wales.
In my statement on 12 July I set out my intention to develop a workforce and leadership strategy to set out a clear and coherent picture of the way the workforce will be developed and supported. This strategy will build upon existing plans such as the deployment of Pioneer schools to support ‘peer to peer’ professional learning, introduction of an enhanced Professional Learning Passport and strengthened School Development Plans to support more effective planning and choice of professional learning. It will continue to implement the reforms of initial teacher education proposed by Professor John Furlong. The strategy will also strengthen the focus in areas such as the development on new Professional Teaching Standards, leadership development including the establishment of a Welsh Academy of Leadership, the development of learning support staff and starting the transition to an all Masters teaching profession.
Investment in education over the last three years has been made in a way which enables Head Teachers and school leaders to determine their priorities for spending, including investing in continuing professional development. This spending has included broad grants such as the Education Improvement Grant for Schools and some of its legacy grants, as well as more targeted programmes of investment including through Schools Challenge Cymru and the new GCSE grant. In the three years from 2014-15 to 2016-17 the EIG and its legacy grants alone provided a total investment of more than £447.6 million, a significant proportion of which was delegated to schools and could be used to support professional learning.