Aled Roberts, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Education, is calling for the protection of Additional Learning Needs services in colleges across Wales.
In its Further and Higher Education Bill the Welsh Labour Government is proposing to relax Ministerial controls on further education institutions. During a debate on these plans this afternoon, Aled Roberts expressed concerns that these changes could risk the provision of Additional Learning Needs services in colleges.
Many students with disabilities rely on the provision of Additional Learning Needs services in colleges across Wales, whether it is through a British Sign Language Interpreter or dyslexia support.
Commenting, Aled Roberts, Assembly Member for North Wales, said:
“Many students across Wales depend on the provision of Additional Learning Needs services. It is therefore vital the availability and quality of such services is maintained.
“It’s worrying that in the Welsh Government’s proposed Bill that little consideration has been given to students with Additional Learning Needs, and particularly how that would be safeguarded with greater college autonomy.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling upon the Welsh Labour Government to ensure there is the necessary means for Ministers to ensure that Further Education Institutions are responding to the needs of learners with disabilities.
“Furthermore the Welsh Government must carefully consider the impact of this Bill on the provision for learners with Additional Learner Needs.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will press the Welsh Labour Government to deliver safeguards on this important issue.”
