Written Statement: Introduction of the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill

Today, I laid the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill before the Senedd. 

We have committed to contribute towards the aim of ensuring one million Welsh speakers by 2050. This Bill will meet that objective by aiming to ensure that all pupils are independent Welsh language users, at least, by the time they reach the end of compulsory school age. Furthermore, the aim is for all pupils to develop oral skills equivalent to level B2, at least, of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

In summary, the key provisions in the Bill will:

• provide a statutory basis for the target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050, as well as other targets relating to the use of the language, including in the workplace and socially;
• establish a standard method for describing Welsh language ability based on the common reference levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages;
• make provisions for designating statutory language categories for schools, along with requirements relating to the amount of Welsh language education provided (including a minimum amount), and Welsh language learning goals for each category;
• link linguistic planning at a national level (by placing a duty on the Welsh Ministers to prepare a National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh), at local authority level (by placing a duty on the local authorities to prepare local Welsh in education strategic plans), and at school level (by placing a duty on schools to prepare Welsh language education delivery plans);
• establish a National Institute for Learning Welsh as a statutory body responsible for supporting people (of all ages) to learn Welsh.

I will be making a legislative statement in Plenary tomorrow, which will provide greater detail about the Bill. 

I look forward to working with Members as the Bill is scrutinised by the Senedd.