Gower MS welcomes new funding to ensure no learner is left behind

Welsh Labour’s Member of the Senedd for Gower, Rebecca Evans, has welcomed the announcement that additional funding of over £24m has been confirmed by the Welsh Labour Government to support learners who have felt the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic the most.

The funding includes: £7.5m to support learners in exam years; £7m to support learners whose attendance has dropped during the pandemic; and £9.5m to support FE and Sixth Form learners with transition to the next stage of their education or career. 

£7.5m will be used to provide extra support for learners in exam years, with additional teaching time and learning resources. It will help learners to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence, as well as supporting those who feel anxious about exams. The funding will be weighted towards schools with greater numbers of learners who receive free school meals.

Over £7m will go towards supporting learners whose attendance has dropped during the pandemic. Dedicated support will be provided to support Year 11 pupils who have low attendance to complete their GCSEs or help them reach the next stage in their education or in starting a career, as well as support for pupils in other years. Funding will also be provided to support well-being and education for learners at Pupil Referrals Units.

£9.5m will be provided to further education colleges and sixth forms to support students with their transition into the next stage of their education or career and for activities such as open days and taster sessions for vocational careers. 

Welcoming the funding, Rebecca Evans MS said:

“The ongoing pandemic has caused disruption for our learners, with some feeling the impact more severely. I am glad that the Welsh Labour Government is committed to not letting the pandemic throw any young person off course.

“I’m pleased that this new funding will help ensure those who have been impacted the most are given the additional support they need to progress with confidence into the next stage of their lives.

“I am also determined to work with colleagues in the Welsh Labour Government to ensure that all learners are on a level playing field and are able to reach their full potential.”