Following a number of visits to schools across Conwy County Borough Council, and casework meetings, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has strengthened calls for improved access to support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and has enquired as to whether consideration could be given to establishing a school specialising in ASD.
Janet said:
“A year ago, I expressed my concern about the fact that there was then a shortage of spaces for pupils with ASD to be accommodated at the resource class in Llandudno, and called for Conwy Council and the Welsh Government to cooperate to make sure that every child requiring support is accommodated.
“From visiting primary schools across the County, and talking to educational professionals and constituents, I am aware that the problem persists, with children waiting years to be diagnosed, and being taught in not the most suitable of environments.
“Going forward, the Welsh Government and Council really must work together to improve access to support for children with ASD, and should, as I have already highlighted to the Cabinet Secretary for Education, consider the possibility of establishing a school in Conwy dedicated to teaching children with ASD”.
Written Assembly Question
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Is the Welsh Government willing to work with Conwy County Borough Council to develop a school dedicated to pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and if so, explain will funding be made available for such a project? (WAQ76740)
Kirsty Williams: Welsh Government, through Band A of its 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, is already delivering specialist education facilities in partnership with local authorities and will continue to do so via the next wave of investment, Band B, which will begin in April 2019. Band B will see investment of over £2.3 billion in education infrastructure in Wales.
Welsh Government sets the high level objectives for the Programme. It is our partners, such as Conwy County Borough Council, that then determine what their priority investment projects are in each of the waves of investment in the schools programme, according to local need.
Business cases for investment submitted by the local authorities are assessed according to Welsh Government procedures and Programme criteria.
Welsh Government worked with all 22 local authorities in terms of enabling delivery of schools projects in Band A and will continue to work with them throughout Band B.
ENDS
Notes