National Assembly for Wales

Our consultation on the delivery and funding structure of adult learning in Wales closed on 11 September. My officials are currently in the process of analysing the responses with a view to publishing a summary within 12 weeks of the closing date, in line with our stated policy.

I expect all learners to have access to suitable, high-quality education that allows them to achieve their potential. For this reason, in December 2017, I published the EOTAS framework for action, our long-term plan to improve outcomes and raise standards in EOTAS provision.

I have recently received an independent report from Professor Mick Waters, setting out a comprehensive set of recommendations to improve the working conditions of teachers. I am currently considering these proposals in detail and will make a further statement in due course.

Educational standards in Wales have improved significantly over the last decade. 'Our national mission' will focus on raising school standards, reducing the attainment gap and delivering an education system that is a source of national pride and public confidence.

Welsh Government support for authorities in South Wales Central, as for all authorities in Wales is provided mainly on a non-hypothecated basis through the local government settlement—revenue support grant. The Welsh Government also provides hypothecated grants for a wide range of education policies.

The Welsh Government is supporting governors through our own guidance and support from the regional consortia and local authorities. We will look to the review of the national model for regional working and the National Academy for Educational Leadership to identify how to continue to improve that support.

Our consultation on the delivery and funding structure of adult learning in Wales closed on 11 September.  My officials are currently in the process of analysing the responses with a view to publishing a summary within 12 weeks of the closing date, in line with our stated policy.

The health board’s performance is now improving in a number of areas. The number of people currently waiting over 36 weeks is 23 per cent lower than last year and we expect to see further improvements in future months. Progress has also been made on diagnostic, therapy and cancer waits.

The 'Putting Things Right' complaints procedure was independently reviewed by Keith Evans in 2014. He concluded the process had a good overall approach but made recommendations for further improvements. The vast majority of these have been implemented and benefits felt by patients. There are no plans for a further review. 

Construction on the Grange hospital site commenced on 30 October 2017 and it is due to open in the spring of 2021.

I have made it clear to the health board that I expect to see improvements in all waiting times, including for knee and hip replacements. My officials continue to work alongside the health board as they develop their orthopaedic plan.

We take women’s health, including menopausal concerns, very seriously and expect all health boards to provide a full range of services to women experiencing the menopause in accordance with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.

The Welsh Government expects all health boards to provide safe, timely, high-quality termination of pregnancy services for women living in their areas.

Officials have received the health board’s integrated winter delivery plan and provided feedback to inform further enhancement of its plan. Officials will continue to work alongside the health board to help it understand the demand and capacity required to meet the needs of its population and identify opportunities for national and local support, as required.