Kirsty Williams MS, Minister for Education
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
This statement is to update Members on the proposals for home education statutory guidance and the draft database regulations.
The evolving national response to Covid 19 has had significant implications on resources within Welsh Government – this includes, financial, policy and of course on the legislative plans for this Government term.
Developing the proposals for home education statutory guidance and the draft database regulations has been a priority for me; however, these proposals require a significant amount of resource to drive them forward.
The new pressures on the day to day work within the Government and the significant impact of Covid 19 on our resources has meant some difficult decisions have had to be made. It will not now be possible to complete the planned work on the home education statutory guidance and database regulations within this Government term.
I want to take this opportunity to thank those stakeholders who have been involved in the development of the proposals and particularly those who took the time to respond to the consultations.
While I am disappointed we cannot continue the development of these proposals I hope that the planned reforms can be taken forward by the next Government at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime, Government officials will explore possible policy options for meeting the needs of home educated children.
These are unprecedented times and, as I am sure you will agree, resources have to be prioritised to the management of the impact of Covid 19 in Wales.