£72m to support pupils in Wales as they return to school
Education Minister Kirsty Williams has announced a further £72 million to support learners as they return to school after closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The funding will be used to continue the Recruit, Recover and Raise Standards programme into the next academic year, extra learning resources and support for foundation phase learners in schools and childcare settings that provide early education.
There will also be targetted support for learners in years 11, 12 and 13, to provide additional help with their transition into the next stage.
Since last July, the equivalent of 1,800 extra full-time school staff have been recruited in schools across Wales to provide extra support during the pandemic, double the original target of 900.
Funding will also be used to support 1,400 trainee teachers currently in Initial Teacher Education, enabling them to complete their practical experience in the autumn, complete their qualifications and move into full-time teaching.
Kirsty Williams, the Education Minister, said: "We all know it’s been a difficult period for learners and staff. Schools and colleges have done terrific work in ensuring learning has continued, while putting preparations in place so the return of learners is as smooth as possible.
"I know that extra help is needed, especially for learners at key stages in their academic careers and in their lives. As learners continue to go back to face-to-face learning, we are providing this additional funding to ensure support is in place when our young people return to the classroom."
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