Leighton Andrews, Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning
The Education Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on Wednesday 26th January.
The Assembly Government has taken the opportunity this Bill presents to seek Measure powers in relation to the regulation and training of teachers and the wider education workforce in Wales and Pre 16 School Funding.
The Measure powers on the regulation and training of teachers and the wider education workforce, enable provision to be made in relation to matters such as professional standards, induction, performance management, continuing professional development, qualifications and standards, as well as registration and discipline. Such provision would enable the Welsh Assembly Government to bring forward legislative proposals to address the issues identified in the review of professional standards, performance management and professional development and allow the greatest flexibility in implementing these proposals.
In accordance with the rest of Field 5 of Schedule 5, the Measure power for funding of pre-16 education or training would enable the Assembly to pass an Assembly Measure which could create other models of government funding for education in the future. It covers the funding of any or all of the pre-16 education functions of local authorities, the Welsh Ministers, or governing bodies.
Subject to the approval of Parliament, the Bill will confer Measure powers on the National Assembly for Wales that will enable the Assembly Government to consult and if appropriate, bring forward proposals for legislation in these two areas. An Explanatory Memorandum setting out the background and context to the Measure powers that we are seeking has been laid before the National Assembly for Wales.
The Bill and accompanying explanatory notes can be accessed at: