Committee seeks public views on new legislation for changes to learning provision for 14-19 yr olds

Proposed new legislation which underpins the Welsh Assembly Government’s policy for 14-19 provision is to go out to public consultation.

An Assembly Committee has been established to consider the general principles of the Government’s proposed Learning and Skills (Wales) Measure and has now issued a call for evidence seeking views from all interested parties. The proposed measure is aimed at ensuring that learners of all abilities aged 14-19 are able to choose from a wide range of academic and vocational subjects from an “options menu”.  It is part of the Government's drive to achieve parity of esteem for vocational qualifications.  It also seeks to improve access for learners to both learning and personal support and to careers information, advice and guidance.

As part of its scrutiny process, the Committee will consider the general principles of the proposed measure and report to the Assembly by 7 November 2008.

Jeff Cuthbert AM, Chair of the Committee, said: “This is an important piece of legislation which supports the Government’s policy for 14-19 yr old learners.  The Government has already consulted on a draft Measure and it is now essential that we as a Committee scrutinise the proposed legislation very carefully. Therefore, we need to hear the views of as many individuals and organisations as possible. I urge anyone with an interest in this issue to visit our website and make their views known.”

The Committee would welcome views from interested parties on the following questions:

i)Is there a need for legislation to re-organise 14-19 provision?  

ii)Does the proposed Measure achieve the policy objective or could changes be made without legislating?

iii)What are the views of stakeholders who will have to work with the new arrangements?

iv)What might be the barriers to delivering the policy agenda and does the proposed Measure take account of them?

Further information on the proposed measure and the legislative process, including how to respond to the consultation.

The deadline for submitting evidence is September 5. The Committee welcomes evidence in both English and Welsh. In the next Assembly term, the Committee will invite interested parties to the Assembly to give oral evidence.