We welcome today’s publication of the Welsh Parliament Children and Young People and Education committee final report The impact of COVID-19 on children and young people. The report recognises that young people have been affected more so than any other group during this period.
ColegauCymru Chair, Guy Lacey said,
“As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, we recognise that the last year has had a significant negative impact on young people from across Wales. Further education colleges have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to ensure the appropriate teaching, learning and wellbeing support has been provided, particularly to our vulnerable learners.”
As the current Parliament draws to a close, the report makes recommendations for increased mental and physical health provision which is also welcomed. The recommendations mirror key themes in our Policy Recommendations for the next Welsh Government.
ColegauCymru Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Dr Rachel Bowen added,
“Our priority remains the health, safety and progression of learners. With sufficient and sustained funding and support, the FE sector in Wales can be a valuable tool to help our post-16 learners to thrive and succeed in a post-Covid world. It is vital that the next Welsh Government focuses on the delivery of education and not on unnecessary and costly post-16 structural reorganisation.”
Mr Lacey concluded,
“We are particularly grateful for the contribution made by CYPE Chair, Lynne Neagle MS, who has championed closing the gap in provision between schools and colleges, and her unrelenting focus on the mental health of children and young people.”
Further Information
Welsh Parliament Press Release
Children and young people’s well-being must be at the centre of COVID-19 recovery
24 March 2021
ColegauCymru Policy Recommendations for the next Welsh Government
Further Success: Policy Reccomendations for the Next Welsh Government in Post-16 Education and Lifelong Learning for Wales
March 2021
