North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called on the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision to reduce support for students with learning difficulties.
Raising the matter in the Assembly Chamber this week, Mr Isherwood said:
“I call for a Welsh Government Statement on educational provision for young adults with autistic spectrum conditions and learning difficulties.
“I learned at the weekend that colleges making provision for vocational pathways in education for these young students had received a letter from the Welsh Government stating that funding for courses would be reduced from three years to two, unlike the referrals they receive from England, which are still three years, and despite concern among such colleges that this will severely impact on the outcomes for the students concerned.”
The Leader of the House and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, said: “The Minister has issued a written statement on the Additional Learning Needs Bill and, of course, has incorporated as well how we are going to take forward and handle issues relating to the all-important issue of education and young adults with additional learning needs, and also in particular in relation to autism.”
Mr Isherwood added: “The letter to colleges reducing support for students with learning disabilities has already been issued. We need action now , not further delaying tactics.”