What immersion provision will be available in Rhondda Cynon Taf as part of the £2.2 million Welsh Government investment announced in September 2021?
I have been encouraged by the response since I committed £2.2m to support immersion provisions in September. Each local authority had the opportunity to apply for up to £100,000 of the Late Immersion revenue Grant and I am pleased to note that Rhondda Cynon Taf local authority is one of those that will benefit from this grant. The grant will support new Welsh immersion provision piloted in 8 local authorities as well as the expansion of provisions already in place in response to the huge growth in demand since COVID-19. All local authorities have been notified as a result of their application.
In Rhondda Cynon Taf, the local authority is keen to establish two immersion support classes for learners in Garth Olwg and Penderyn primary schools as well as providing language immersion packs to support learners across the primary sector to reinforce their Welsh language skills. These interventions will boost their plans to grow and expand Welsh-medium education in the county in line with their Welsh in Education strategic Plan. We have set a target for the local authority to increase the percentage of learners receiving their education through the medium of Welsh from 19% to between 27%-31% over the next ten years. The establishment of local late immersion provision is an important step for the authority and I am pleased to see them taking it.
Our approach to immersing learners in Welsh is unique to us in Wales, and I take pride in what is being achieved by our teachers and educational practitioners every day. I look forward to seeing this investment supporting learners who are new to the language having the best opportunity to become Welsh speakers.