‘Voice of students with additional learning needs must be heard’ – Plaid AM
24 Mehefin 2009
Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins has today called on the Assembly Government to consider changes to post-19 education for students with additional learning needs to ensure the voice of such students is heard and to improve the opportunities for them to study in Wales.Ms Jenkins made her calls during a debate in the Senedd today on post-19 education for students with additional learning needs.
Following the debate Ms Jenkins said:
“I have had correspondence from carers and parents who tell me the educational wishes and aspirations of students with additional learning needs are not being heeded to satisfactorily. Governments have a commitment to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, but it is clear that many young students are having their educational options limited due to their additional learning needs, especially during the transition period between children and adult services.
“I have also raised the point that we need to look at the provision of specialist colleges in Wales and strengthen community provision. It costs the Assembly Government £94,000 per student per year for them to receive their education in specialist colleges in England. It makes sense that enough provision is available in Wales, where young people can be close to their family and friends. ”
ENDS
