The Bill, which was extended to cover Wales in March 2025, includes provisions relating to Children Not in School, child employment, and aspects of social care legislation.  

The Children Not in School measures introduce additional safeguards to support local authorities in ensuring that children who are home educated are receiving a suitable education, alongside enhanced checks where children are subject to child protection measures or have been within the past five years.

Welsh councils have consistently raised concerns about how best to support children who are not in school, particularly where safeguarding issues are present.

The WLGA has previously welcomed these provisions as a step towards providing greater clarity and consistency for local authorities in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA Spokesperson for Education, said:

“Councils have been clear for some time about the challenges they face in supporting children who are not in school, particularly where there are safeguarding concerns. These provisions provide greater clarity for local authorities in carrying out this work and help strengthen existing safeguarding arrangements.

“It is important that these measures are implemented in a way that is proportionate and workable at a local level, and that councils have the capacity and support needed to deliver them effectively.

“The WLGA will continue to engage with Welsh Government and partners as the Bill is considered by the Senedd and, subject to approval, as the provisions are put into practice.”
 

Spending by the UK Government on education and young people with special education needs and disabilities in England is anticipated to result in as yet unconfirmed Barnett consequential funding for Wales.

Councils warn that without sustained and fair funding, communities will continue to feel the impact through stretched services and less support for preventing issues before they escalate.

One of the most acute pressures highlighted by councils is in education. Around one-third of all council spending in Wales goes on schools, with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) costs rising sharply. ALN spending accounts for more than a quarter of all school budget pressures, with more than 70 per cent of ALN spending going directly to support learners.

Councils say the growing complexity of need, alongside learner transport and workforce costs, is creating unsustainable financial strain.

Councils have reported a £69 million overspend in social care in-year, due to rising demand rising and cases becoming more complex with more than 81,000 people relying on ongoing care and support.

Concerns have also been raised about the future of local economic investment. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which replaced EU funding, supported locally delivered projects to create jobs and strengthen communities. Its successor, the Local Growth Fund, comes with a significantly reduced overall allocation. Councils say this could limit support for place-based programmes that help businesses grow and people into work.

Councillor Anthony Hunt, WLGA Spokesperson for Finance, said:

“The Spring Statement presents an opportunity. If additional funding comes to Wales, it must reach the frontline services that people rely on every day, particularly in education and young people with additional learning needs.  
 
“Councils are facing exceptional pressures across the board, but none so great as in social care and education. These are not optional services; they are lifelines for families and vulnerable residents.  
 
“We are offering the next Welsh Government a genuine partnership. The current Welsh Government listened to the concerns of local government in last year’s settlement. My hope is that they do the same here.  
 
“With fair, multi-year funding and a shared focus on prevention, councils can move beyond managing crisis to investing in resilience, growth and better outcomes for people across Wales.” 
 

Figures from the WLGA show that spending on ALN and Early Years support is expected to rise by around 6 per cent in 2026/27, which amounts to an increase of around £46 million across Wales. 

Individual councils predict increases of up to 14 per cent. Over 70 per cent of ALN spending goes directly to support learners, while transport costs make up about 13 per cent. 

Local authorities fund specialist teachers, classroom assistants, therapists, and learning support teams. They also provide transport for pupils attending specialist schools and ensure children with complex needs get the right help at the right time. 

Councils are building stronger links between education, health and social care, improving early intervention and creating more local specialist places so children can stay closer to home. 

However, demand for this support is increasing, and costs are rising sharply. Without extra funding, councils warn that the progress made in recent years could be at risk. 

The WLGA’s newly published 2025 Education Pressures Report highlights that ALN pressures now account for over a quarter of all school budget pressures. The report warns that without sustainable long-term investment, councils will struggle to maintain high-quality, inclusive education services. 

Councils are calling for a review of funding arrangements to make sure the money available matches the true cost of providing support for children with additional learning needs. They say this is essential to protect the services that children, young people and families rely on. 

Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA Spokesperson for Education, said: 

“Councils remain committed to delivering inclusive, high-quality support for every learner with additional learning needs, but providing that support is becoming more expensive every year. We are seeing demand increasing, the costs of transport, specialist provision, and legal advocacy rising, while school reserves are shrinking. Without additional, sustainable investment, the progress we’ve made is at risk of stalling. 

“Despite these challenges, councils continue to innovate. They are expanding local provision, training more staff and working with partners to make the system more efficient without reducing quality. 

“Every learner deserves the chance to reach their potential, and both councils and schools are doing everything they can to make that happen. With fair funding, councils can keep providing the help children need.” 

“While today’s 2022 PISA results are a source of disappointment, it’s important to note the hard work that’s already in progress to alter the education landscape. Transforming the nation’s learning system will not happen overnight but the innovative new curriculum, which has now been rolled out in all schools, should give confidence that Wales is on the right path.

“We all want our children and young people to believe that they can achieve their potential and that their aspirations will be supported. The new curriculum aspires to empower every child to reach that potential with a stronger focus on a learner-centred approach. In addition, councils are working closely with the Minister as part of the recently announced plans to drive forward improvement in maths and literacy.”

“Our brilliant teachers, support staff and education leaders are passionate about raising standards. Along with pupils and parents, they have shown remarkable resilience during an incredibly difficult time for our schools owing to the pandemic and the Cost-of-Living crisis. On behalf of local government, thank you to everyone working so hard to alter the system and to transform our children and young people’s learning experiences. Councils will continue to work closely with Welsh Government to ensure the new curriculum succeeds in raising standards and attainment.”

Ends –

WLGA Spokesperson for Education, Councillor Ian Roberts said:

“On behalf of all the local authorities in Wales, I’d like to wish a heartfelt congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE results today. Today’s results show that hard work and diligent efforts yield remarkable results. We wish students all the best as they embark on their next chapter.

“Furthermore, it's important to acknowledge and appreciate the devoted educators, assistants, and all other staff in the education sector who have been instrumental in guiding and nurturing these bright minds. Their dedication underscores how their contributions serve as the bedrock upon which our students' accomplishments are built. With gratitude, we commend their exceptional efforts in fostering a positive and enriching educational experience.”

For anyone who didn’t quite get the results they wanted, or who is unsure their next steps, please contact Careers Wales for advice, speak to your school or college or visit the Working Wales website.

Ends –

WLGA Spokesperson for Education, Councillor Ian Roberts said:

“I’d like to extend my congratulations to students on their A-Level results on behalf of local authorities in Wales. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and you should be incredibly proud of your accomplishments. We wish these young people all the best in their future.

“We would also like to express our deep gratitude to the dedicated school staff who have been unwavering in their support and guidance. The commitment of everyone in the education system to nurturing these young minds is truly commendable and plays a pivotal role in creating a positive and enriching learning environment for our students. Their incredible work is the foundation upon which our students' success and growth are built.”

For anyone who didn’t quite get the results they wanted, or who is unsure their next steps, please contact Careers Wales for advice, speak to your school or college or visit the Working Wales website.

Ends –

£9m has been invested to help councils offer nutritious meals to eligible pupils up until the end of May half term holiday, including all bank holidays during this period.

Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Education Spokesperson said:

“So many families hit hard by the current cost of living will be benefited by the extension of free school meals.

“I am so proud of the work our councils have done, and will continue to do, to ensure those eligible get this vital support.

“This is another example of how communities benefit from close co-operation between local and Welsh governments.”

Councillor Darren Price (Carmarthenshire), WLGA Deputy Leader for Education said:

“Today’s announcement offers help to a legion of families who are struggling to make ends meet right now.

“We all know of the vital importance of food and nutrition to our children and young people’s development.

“As a result of the innovative Co-operation Agreement between Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, councils right across Wales will be able to extend this essential support to eligible pupils and families.”

“Teachers play an integral role in our communities in educating, supporting, and nurturing our young people. It is vital that any pay award is balanced between rewarding teachers’ hard work and affordability. Council budgets are already under severe pressure due to rocketing inflation and soaring energy bills.

“Local government is committed to working closely in social partnership with the Welsh Government and the unions to resolve this dispute, and to minimise disruption to education provision.” 

-ENDS-

"I welcome the Minister's decision today to reintroduce face coverings in secondary school settings. This is a proportionate and sensible response to the emerging concerning situation and is being done in order to safeguard the wellbeing of pupils and all school staff."

Welsh Government has already announced the beginning of a phased return to schools from the week commencing Monday 22 February. WLGA is now seeking a clear idea of how other cohorts could return to school to safely resume face to face learning.

Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Spokesperson for Education said:

“Welsh Government and local government have worked in close partnership together to prioritise education throughout the crisis. We know how concerning this last year has been for all learners, especially those year groups whose usual assessments and examinations have been disrupted by the crisis and are looking forward to catch up with their education.

“We welcome the fact that returning children to schools rightly remains Welsh Government’s top priority as it is essential for our children’s education and development in their formative years. Last week’s announcement will have provided welcome clarity for learners, their families, and school staff. It’s now important that we work together to have a clear plan of how other age groups and cohorts can safely be returned to school to resume face-to-face learning, when the rate of infection provides enough headroom to safely do so and on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer. Having such a plan would help to give local authorities and schools plenty of time to prepare, and would help to reassure staff, learners and their families of the way ahead.”

-ENDS-

With transmission levels continuing to increase across Wales, and uncertainty over what impact that might have on school staffing levels over the Christmas break, there will be some flexibility built in at the beginning of term.  However, minimising disruption to our children and young people’s education remains a priority and face to face learning should be the default position unless there are clear public health and safety reasons for moving to remote learning.

For most of our learners, the new school term will start on 4th January, although there will be some schools who have planned INSET days in this first week.  As schools assess their staffing levels ahead of, and during, the first week, our expectation is that schools will be providing face to face learning for the majority of their pupils by 11th January, leading to a full return in the days before 18th January at the latest.

Where a school has moved to remote learning because of exceptional and specific local circumstances, local authorities and schools will be expected to make arrangements for vulnerable learners and the children of critical workers (including school staff) to attend, as is the case now.  

A WLGA spokesperson said:

“The plan to return to schools in January will give some certainty, whilst also allowing for flexibility to take account of local circumstances.

“Teachers, school staff, learners, and parents and carers’ response has been remarkable throughout this challenging year. It has not been easy, and we thank them for their continued patience and perseverance to help keep our communities safe.

“To help curb the rapid spread of the virus, we must all continue to do all we can to protect ourselves, each other and our communities.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said

“We all recognise that these are unprecedented times and that we have to be agile in how we respond to the impact the virus has on our communities. 

“By agreeing to a flexible approach during the first two weeks of the new school term in January enables our schools to put in place proportionate arrangements which reflect their specific circumstances and is guided by public health and safety considerations.   

“We know from our children and young people that they learn best when in the classroom receiving face to face learning so any measures we put in place must look to minimise further disruption to their education.”

The Minister made it clear that, thanks to the efforts of education staff across the country, schools and colleges are safe and secure environments, with almost half of all Welsh schools having had zero covid cases since September.

However, it is also recognised that education settings being open can contribute to wider social mixing outside the school and college environment.

By making this decision, the Minister felt it was important to make a ‘clear, national direction’ to take pressure off individual schools, colleges, local authorities, parents and carers.

The Minister said her decision followed expert advice from Wales’s Chief Medical Officer showing that the public health situation in Wales was deteriorating.

The latest TTP data shows that rates of Covid-19 have further increased across Wales and have now exceeded 370/100k with a test positivity of 17%.

The R rate in Wales has increased to 1.27 with a doubling time of just 11.7 days.

As during the firebreak, local authorities and schools will be expected to consider what provision is suitable for vulnerable learners and this could include ‘on- premises’ learning.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “Every day, we are seeing more and more people admitted to hospital with coronavirus symptoms.

“The virus is putting our health service under significant and sustained pressure and it is important we all make a contribution to reduce its transmission.

“In his advice to me today, the CMO recommends that a move to online learning should be implemented for secondary school pupils as soon as is practicable.

“I can therefore confirm that a move to online learning should be implemented for secondary school pupils and college students from Monday next week.

“We recognise, as we did during the firebreak, that it is more difficult for primary and special school age children to undertake self-directed learning.

“That is why we are encouraging primary and special schools to continue to stay open.

“Having spoken to local education leaders, I am confident that schools and colleges have online learning provision in place.

“This will also be important in ensuring that students are at home during this time, learning and staying safe.

“Critically, and this is very important, children should be at home.

“This is not an early Christmas holiday, please do everything you can to minimise your contact with others.”

“The education family in Wales has pulled together so many times this year to make a real difference to the course of this virus and ultimately to save lives and I know we can do the same again.

“Together we will keep Wales safe.”

Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Education Spokesperson said:

“We are seeing a worrying rise in the number of infection rates every day which is putting more and more pressure on our health service and Test, Trace, Protect teams. On the CMO’s advice and following extensive discussion with the Minister and teaching unions, secondary schools will move to remote learning from Monday.”

“The coronavirus situation in Wales is sobering. We cannot stress enough that children should stay at home and not mix with their friends or others in the community to avoid the risk of spreading the virus. Secondary schools may be closing, but teaching and learning will continue online.

“The response from teachers, school staff, learners, and parents and carers has been remarkable throughout this challenging year. It has not been easy, and we thank them for their continued patience and perseverance to keep our communities safe.”

ENDS

Now that the full picture of A’ level and AS results across Wales is clearer, the WLGA believes that the approach adopted by Qualifications Wales- the regulator- in determining A’ level and AS grades has been arbitrary and has focused on the needs of institutions rather than individual learners. It has created confusion and concern and has been unfair, it has not given individual learners the results they expected and would probably have achieved had they sat the exams. We need to put learners at the heart of the process and trust in the teaching profession, as no one knows learners and their performance better than their teachers.

This matter must be resolved with urgency to enable A level students from Wales to access university places as soon as possible and to avoid the same situation with GCSE results later this week.

Cllr Ian Roberts, WLGA Education Spokesperson said:

“The WLGA Leader and I met with the Education Minister on Thursday morning, and we highlighted emerging local anomalies and concerns; clearly these are not just local concerns but there are systemic issues and we therefore call for an urgent review of grades, and the awarding of Thursday’s GCSE results to be based on the CAGs (Centre Assessed Grades).”

“I and Cabinet Members for Education met with WJEC and Qualifications Wales earlier this summer and we raised concerns and sought assurances about the fairness of the proposed system. We were particularly concerned given part of the evidence to be used would have been historical data and performance which would favour learners and schools where performance had been strong, but would depress the outcomes for individual learners whose schools had not performed well in the past. We will be feeding our views into the recalled Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee’s discussions tomorrow.”

The WLGA is also calling for a review of Qualifications Wales and whether or not the organisation is fit for purpose.

-Ends -

The Welsh Technical Advisory Group, which provides scientific and technical advice to Government during emergencies, this week recommended to the Minister that schools “plan to open in September with 100% of pupils physically present on school sites, subject to a continuing, steady decline in the presence of COVID-19 in the community.”

The paper which includes this advice will be published today.

The Minister announced that:

• Schools will return to full capacity, with only limited social distancing within contact groups.
• At full operations, a contact group should consist of around 30 children. Some direct or indirect mixing between children in different contact groups will also be unavoidable, such as on transport, receiving specialist teaching or due to staffing constraints.
• Social distancing for adults should remain in line with regulations and guidance.
• Schools will be required to minimise the risk of transmission by taking other mitigating measures using the hierarchy of risk controls.
• Every school should continue to be “Covid Protected” - having carried out risk assessments and mitigated them with a combination of controls such as hand and surface hygiene, one-way systems and so forth.
• If early warning information shows a local incident or outbreak then nearby schools should implement appropriate restriction measures.
• Each school will be provided with a supply of home testing kits.

The Minister confirmed that the autumn term will start on 1 September and schools that can accommodate all pupils from the start of the term should do so.

There will be a period of flexibility in recognition that schools may want to focus on priority year groups, such as those new to secondary schools, those sitting exams next summer or those in reception classes. This will also allow time, up to a fortnight, for any planning and reorganisation.  

On childcare, work will take place with the childcare sector over the summer to increase the size of the contact groups and to support the gradual move towards full operations. Further guidance will follow on nursery education, due to the unique complexities and further implications for younger learners.

The Minister also confirmed that updated operational and learning guidance for September will be published next week. Government education officials are supported in this work by local authorities, head-teachers, public health officials, teaching unions and education practitioners. The Minister outlined plans just hours after confirming the Welsh Government would make £29 million available to ‘recruit, recover and raise standards’ in Welsh schools in response to the impact still felt from the pandemic.

Speaking at the Welsh Government daily briefing today, the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams will say:

"We all know the devastation Covid-19 has caused, especially to our young people. I have been clear throughout this pandemic that our priority must be to deliver maximum learning with minimal disruption for our young people.

"Every decision we have made has been backed by the latest available scientific and medical guidance. Thanks to Wales’s cautious and careful approach, Covid’s presence in our communities is declining. In the expectation that this will continue, the advice to me is that schools can plan to open in September, with all pupils present."

Commenting on the additional funding announced, the Minister added:

"We will recruit, recover and continue to raise standards. With this funding, we will recruit the equivalent of 600 extra teachers and 300 teaching assistants throughout the next school year. We will target extra support at Years 11, 12 and 13, as well as disadvantaged and vulnerable learners of all ages.The support package, provided at a school level, could include extra coaching support, personalised learning programmes and additional time and resources for exam year pupils.

"We must never lower our expectations for any of our young people, no matter their background. Together, we will continue to raise standards for all, reduce the attainment gap and ensure we have a system that is a source of pride and public confidence."

Councillor Ian Roberts, WLGA Spokesperson for Education, said:

"Since schools closed at the start of the crisis, many children and young people have felt anxious about loss of learning and not being able to see their friends. The Minister’s plan today will enable schools to safely reopen classrooms from September. Local authorities will work closely with their schools to make sure that necessary arrangements are in place to abide by Welsh Government guidance.

"Our schools have been hit by severe disruption during this pandemic, and we welcome the £29 million pledged by the Minister for targeted support to minimise the effects of the past few months on pupils. We will continue to work together in partnership the safest and best possible learning experiences for our children and young people, especially in such challenging circumstances."

In marking this year’s Youth Work Week, local government has recognised how youth workers across the nation have quickly adapted to make sure that they can provide support to young people in their communities. Through a range of learning opportunities, virtual social activities and initiatives, they have been instrumental in helping young people understand guidelines from Welsh Government and to encourage them to comply.

Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Spokesperson for Education said:

“These last few months have been a bewildering period for our young people. Despite the many challenges, youth workers have stepped up to support them in different ways. From hosting quizzes and interactive activities online, to helping to staff childcare hubs and raising awareness of government guidelines, they have played an important role in the most difficult circumstances.

“Every year, Youth Work Week gives us a chance to thank workers who help to support and develop young people. This year, their work has been more crucial than ever. We are very grateful to all of them for their dedication and commitment in the work that they have done and will continue to do in the months ahead.”

-ENDS-

“This way forward will give an opportunity for all children to have face to face interaction within limited numbers with their teachers and friends over a four-week period in school settings which will have been significantly adapted for social distancing. It’s an incredibly valuable opportunity for pupils to check in and catch up over the last few weeks of the term, which will be important to make sure pupils, families and teachers and school staff alike are mentally, emotionally and practically ready for the new normal in September.”

“The plan also ensures that parents won’t be sanctioned for not taking up this offer due to any safety concerns that they may have - attendance will be voluntary.”

“Conversations will be had locally between local authorities, headteachers and teaching unions to discuss the operational requirements to roll out this plan in individual school settings.”

Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Leader said:

“We welcome the cautious and considered approach announced today by the Minister. Local authorities will take time to work through the detail of the forthcoming guidance to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place. Local authorities, Welsh Government and teaching unions have worked closely over the past few weeks on a way forward which is agreeable to everyone.

“There are three and a half weeks until this plan is implemented, which gives us all an opportunity to work together to put all necessary arrangements in place in school settings to welcome learners on a voluntary basis.”

-ENDS-

NOTES FOR EDITORS: Please see more details of the Education Minister’s plan on this link: https://gov.wales/check-catch-prepare-summer-and-september-all-schools-wales-enter-next-phase