CREDIT: This story was first seen on ITV News
Education secretary Kirsty Williams says the changes to how the money used to support the most disadvantaged pupils in Wales will benefit those in nursery, reception and children in local authority care, ITV News reports.
The education secretary has also revealed expansions to the programme, from the amount allocated to the youngest pupils, to extending the funding to pupils not educated at school, to providing more support to children who are looked after by their local authority.
Other changes include:
- Doubling the grant to £600 per eligible child in nursery and reception classes.
- Extending support to all three year old looked after children. The funding can also be used to support previously looked after children who have been adopted.
- Extending the support to pupils whose education happens outside a school setting. Currently only those from pupil referral units received the support.
“It remains our national mission that every child has the opportunity to succeed. I am pleased that this grant is having a significant impact in breaking the link between poverty and attainment that has dogged our education system. However, there is more to do, which is why we are extending the grant to ensure every child has a fair start in life,” the education secretary said.
