Children in Swansea met the Children’s Minister today to have their say on the Welsh Government’s plans to end the physical punishment of children in Wales.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Huw Irranca-Davies visited Pontybrenin School in Gorseinon, Swansea, to discuss the proposals with a group of pupils, the head teacher and other members of the teaching staff involved in embedding children’s rights in the day to day running of the school.
The school is committed to creating safe and inspiring places for children to learn, where they are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. The school won the Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award in 2015, which recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos.
Huw Irranca-Davies said:
“It was great to hear the views of the children I met in Swansea today about our plans to bring to an end the physical punishment of children by removing the legal defence of reasonable punishment.
“As a Government, we want all children in Wales to have the best possible start in life. We want to support parents in Wales to raise happy, healthy and confident children. Removing the defence of reasonable punishment builds on the growing attitudinal change of parents already underway.
“Prohibiting physical punishment sends strong messages that proven positive alternatives are much better for our children and for their well-being. The children I met in Swansea reinforced this message.
“I want to encourage as many people as possible to have their say on our plans by taking part in our consultation.”
The consultation on the Welsh Government’s legislative proposal is open until 2nd April.