Ken Skates MS has challenged Plaid Cymru for “not following through” on their previous advocacy around children with additional learning needs.
During this week’s FMQs, the interim Welsh Labour leader accused Plaid Cymru of “making a virtue”[1] of their support for children and young people while in opposition, but not backing this up now they are in government. The comment was made following the recent announcement of Plaid Cymru’s first supplementary budget, where no money was allocated to support children with additional learning needs.
Additional funding into Special Educational Needs and Disability in England from the UK Labour Government has meant £340 million is available in consequentials to Wales. Welsh Labour, alongside all 22 Welsh local authorities and teaching unions have called on the Welsh Government to use the additional money to fund support for additional learning needs in schools in Wales.
In the Senedd, the Welsh Labour interim leader referenced comments made by Plaid Cymru in 2024 on social media around funding for pupils with additional learning needs. These stated ‘Wales can do better than this-under Plaid Cymru, the pupils who need support, will receive it.’
This was part of a series of interventions made by Plaid Cymru, including by the then Education Spokesperson Cefin Campbell, claiming that more financial support was needed for additional learning needs.
Ken Skates MS said: “Over 40,000 pupils in Wales have additional learning needs- these are the pupils Plaid Cymru have previously said need support.
“While in opposition, Plaid Cymru insisted that they would provide for pupils with additional learning needs- now they have the power and the resource to make those decisions, they are making a choice not to.”
In 2023, Heledd Fychan, the now Tefnydd, Chief Whip and Minister for Culture and Sport published a report[2] outlining the need for more support for children and young people with additional learning needs, and their families. She also addressed families on the Senedd steps, stating “in terms of advocating for you, whatever I can do to help please do get in touch. I won’t stop talking about it in the Senedd.”[3]
Ken Skates MS said: “Plaid Cymru have made promises to families in need and are now shying away from their responsibility to them. We want to support a government who is doing the best they can for families in Wales- this funding is our red line. Welsh Labour will continue to hold this government to account until they do the right thing for children in Wales.”
