How will the Welsh Government protect parental choice so that children can learn through the medium of English or Welsh?
Our priority is to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to become bilingual through the education system, gaining strong skills in both Welsh and English. Welsh-medium education is an effective way of achieving this, enabling learners to develop high standards in both languages.
The Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act, passed unanimously in the Senedd last year, provides a clear framework to achieve this, and alongside the Curriculum for Wales, will enable all learners to make progress in Welsh regardless of their school language category. Local authorities are responsible for the planning of school places. They are also responsible for improving the planning and provision of Welsh-medium education through their Welsh in Education Strategic Plans. We’ve committed to use the full powers of the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act to ensure all learners are given a fair chance of becoming bilingual in both Welsh and English by the time they leave school.