National Assembly for Wales

The running costs of all our international offices are released annually in the State of the Estate Report. Last year’s report can be accessed here;

http://gov.wales/docs/hrd/publications/171115-state-of-the-estate-1617en.pdf

Establishing a presence in five key new markets this year will allow us to pursue new trade and investment opportunities, build networks and promote Wales to the World. This has never been more important as we prepare for a future outside the European Union (EU).  

Details of Special Advisers are published to the Welsh Government website; they are all based on the 5th Floor of Tŷ Hywel.

Details of Special Advisers are published to the Welsh Government website; they are all based on the 5th Floor of Tŷ Hywel.

I am committed to the vision that all learners in Wales, from the earliest stage of their educational journeys, become global citizens, able to speak in other languages and understand and appreciate their own and other cultures. I want learners to have access to a wide range of opportunities both here in Wales and across the world. That is why the Welsh Government published ‘Global Futures – a plan to improve and promote Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) in Wales’, in October 2015.

In December 2017, the Welsh Government published its second annual report on Global Futures – a plan to improve and promote MFL in Wales’. The report demonstrates a continued commitment and ambition across the education system to ensure that we will see an upturn in the uptake of modern foreign languages in years to come. The implementation of the plan is overseen by our Global Futures Steering Group which is driving the programme of learner and teacher engagement across primary as well as secondary schools in Wales.

Through our Global Futures partners which include, the regional education consortia, language institutes, universities and the British Council, we have provided and will continue to provide opportunities for language teaching and learning at primary level. This includes support for the professional development of the primary education workforce as well as resources and materials for schools, which can be freely accessed via our Hwb network. I attach a link to the December 2017 annual report, detailing ongoing support, for your information:

http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/171204-global-futures-two-years-in-to-our-plan-en.pdf

Primary schools across Wales are able to contact MFL Leads within their regional education consortia to access the necessary support should they wish to introduce languages at their school. In the GwE Consortium, primary-secondary partnerships are continuing to take forward KS2 projects. Eirias School is working with feeder primary schools to take forward a German project. A number of secondary school MFL specialists provide opportunities for KS2 learners to learn MFL. For instance, Ysgol Morgan Llwyd is delivering MFLs to all primary schools in its catchment area. Ysgol Argoed & Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan, are working with the Goethe-Institut, to deliver German lessons to primary schools within their catchment area. Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy is working collaboratively with a cluster of primary schools in their catchment area on a common project. The aim of the project is to develop a common language scheme (primary-secondary) in preparation for the Language, Literacy and Communication Area of Learning and Experience coming in the new curriculum. The objectives are to develop and plan effective learning experiences for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, which will support language learning (focus on identity, developing language to communicate, knowledge of grammar and cross-linguistic skills). All resources and schemes of work will be shared via Hwb. In addition, a questionnaire has been sent to all primary schools in GwE to assess present opportunities in terms of foreign language learning and to identify good practice and support needed. Appropriate training, resources and opportunities will then be planned for KS2.

A further example can be found within the Central South Consortium which has supported the development of a ‘bilingual plus 1’ system throughout Llansannor & Llanharry Church in Wales Primary School. The ‘bilingual plus 1’ system is Global Futures’ strategy to encourage learners to extend their knowledge of other cultures by becoming ‘Bilingual plus 1’, that is, studying English, Welsh and at least one modern foreign language from primary to examination level. At Llansannor & Llanharry C/W Primary School, German, French, Spanish and Italian have been introduced to classes from Reception to Year 6 this academic year, through a cross curricular approach to engage and excite learners about other languages and cultures. I have accepted an invitation from Llansannor & Llanharry C/W Primary School to formally launch their Bilingual plus 1’ scheme on 2 March.

Currently, modern foreign languages are compulsory for study at Key Stage 3, and non-statutory guidance is available for Key Stage 2. However, as illustrated above, the Global Futures plan and the objectives that underpin it take into account and support the development of the new Curriculum for Wales and the six new Areas of Learning and Experience that will shortly shape our curriculum. There will be a strong focus on language as part of the Languages, Literacy and Communication Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE). We are currently working with our Pioneer schools and other experts to develop this AoLE. In the new curriculum, pupils will not learn or use languages in isolation. They will learn about identity, culture and nationality; learning and using languages in meaningful and real life contexts. Pupils will also learn about languages (commonalities) and will learn across languages (translanguaging).

I asked Professor Stuart Cole to conduct an independent review of the TrawsCymru weekend free travel trial which has been received. I will make an announcement on the future of the initiative shortly once I have considered his report.

I will also be making an announcement shortly on my decisions following the public consultation on the future of our discounted bus travel scheme for younger persons. The consultation invited comments on extending the discount to several specific groups, including registered carers.

Sections of the A55 have been closed 55 times since February 2017 for one hour or longer.  This includes the DBFO section which runs from junction 1, Holyhead to junction 11, Llandygai.  A full breakdown can be seen below.

In addition, very short term closures of 20 minutes or less take place, as required, to allow recovery of vehicles, temporary repairs, debris collection, rounding up of stray animals and so on.

A55 main line carriageway closures - 23/01/2017 to 21/02/2018

Junction 11, Llandygai – Welsh / English border at junction 36a Broughton

DBFO section (junction 1, Holyhead to junction 11, Llandygai) during the same period

A multi-disciplinary expert group has been set up by Public Health Wales to improve the management of urinary tract infections (UTI). The group have shared and agreed standards on the diagnosis, treatment and management of UTIs. These standards are being used through the 1000 Lives collaborative by Health Boards to review their current processes and improve their practices of care for people with UTIs.

In addition, the Welsh Government will shortly be undertaking a formal consultation on guidance relating to persistent pain which will ensure patients receive appropriate individualised care. The guidance which has been co-produced with clinicians, academics and service users provides general signposting information for individuals to help them consider the choice of effective approaches; and to enable them to make informed decisions about their care and support. It also provides a focus for Welsh health boards to improve the range and quality of services for people living with persistent pain.

Cymraeg for Kids was launched to inform parents of the options and benefits available to them and their child through Welsh medium childcare and education.

As part of the campaign, the songbook was developed to encourage parents/carers to sing with their children in Welsh as part of the Welsh Government’s #DyddMiwsigCymru (Welsh Language Music Day) campaign.

We recognise that all images used in our marketing materials should aim to normalise breastfeeding and have immediately amended the online version of the songbook and will ensure that any further copies of the booklet will use a different front cover image.

Welsh Government recognises the importance of supporting mothers who wish to breast feed as this provides babies with the best start in life.  Officials are working with the NHS to drive improvements in breastfeeding rates, which have remained low in many parts of Wales. I recently commissioned a review of the current policies and practices in Wales and a group of experts has been established that has looked at recommendations which I am due to receive in March 2018 to review. 

In December 2017 I announced my intention to introduce a whole Wales approach to tackling pollution from agriculture. Over the coming months, we will be working with stakeholders to get the right balance of regulatory measures, voluntary initiatives and investment to address this issue. I want this process to be undertaken as quickly as possible to ensure action is taken without delay.

It is clear the amount of work to be done in developing the measures necessary to reduce agricultural pollution and provide flexibility for farmers is considerable. The Welsh Government is committed to working collaboratively to address these issues.

The impacts of on-farm pollution, affecting water quality and wildlife, have increased recently, often due to poor slurry storage and dirty water handling facilities.   As such, the next round of the Sustainable Production Grant (SPG) will concentrate on supporting farmers to deliver on our objectives in terms of increased nutrient management and safeguarding and improving water quality by reducing pollution. This will mean focusing on slurry management and storage, the extent of which may depend on approval from the European Commission and what the Nitrates Directive will permit.

 I intend to open the next round for expressions of interest to be submitted for support through the SPG in early summer. I will be looking at providing a predetermined list of items for the next round and grants will range from a minimum of £12,000 to a maximum of £50,000 (maximum 40% contribution to total project costs of £30,000 to £125,000+).

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have felled a small number of trees to gain access to some reservoirs on the Gwydir Estate.  

In 2015, NRW had concerns over surface water flooding in Penmachno following tree felling, however this has since been addressed.

The National Trust are working in partnership with NRW on the Upper Conwy Catchment Project, planting trees to further reduce the risk of flooding.