What financial consequences have been projected by the Welsh Government as a result of extending the school day in Wales?
This work is being carried out in collaboration with Sian Gwenllian the Plaid Cymru designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.
As part of this work, trials of Additional Enrichment Sessions were undertaken in 2022, guaranteeing more than 1,800 learners with five additional hours per week, for 10 weeks, of new and engaging activities and experiences. The trial was not about longer days or spending more time in schools, but an opportunity to look at and understand the impact of different approaches to time spent in and around school. The findings of this trial were published in January 2023 and were very encouraging for the learners, their families, the schools and activity providers. We are now considering the findings in terms of our wider education policies and reforms.