An Assembly committee has criticised a Welsh Government decision to
cut funding for gypsy and ethnic minority learners.
In a letter from the Chair of the Children, Young People and
Education Committee, the Education Secretary – – is warned about the
impact of the removal of the Education Improvement Grant
(EIG).
Research shows that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children have
the lowest attainment
rates of any ethnic group in Wales. The EIG is designed
to support their learning and raise attainment.
Under plans announced by Welsh Government in draft budget, the
money ring-fenced for EIG will be removed in 2018/19 (accounting for some
£13m) and made available to local authorities through the
Revenue Support Grant (RSG) - a funding stream which accounts for
80% of all local authority spending.
The removal of the EIG could be worth some £22m to local
authorities over two years.
The letter expresses disappointment with the Welsh Government’s
decision – stressing that it “goes against the direction of
travel set out” in the Cabinet Secretary’s response to the
inquiry.
It warns of “considerable concern” that cuts to the EIG could
lead to councils significantly scaling back learning support for
gypsy/traveller and ethnic minority pupils – or discontinuing
them altogether.
Commenting on the letter, Shadow Education Secretary – AM – said:
“This is powerful evidence that the Cabinet Secretary’s cuts are
putting Wales’ lowest achievers at an even bigger disadvantage.
“Despite strong representations from Local Authorities, Assembly
Members and teachers, the plug has been pulled on vital funding
designed to bridge the attainment gap for these kids.
“It’s simply not good enough.
“Gypsy/Traveller and ethnic minority learners can be found in
local authorities across Wales, so it is baffling as to why
has deemed it acceptable to
make up for her cuts by extending financial support to just three
Labour-led local authorities in South Wales.
“These cuts must be reversed and local authorities the length and
breadth of Wales must all be reimbursed for the money they’ve
lost so that services can continue to support the educational
needs of our pupils.”
Notes to Editors:
Please see attached letter from the committee to Education
Secretary, .
