AM Challenges Minister on Foundation Phase

2.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 16th Apr 2008

Kirsty Williams AM, today challenged the Minister for Education on the looming Foundation Phase crisis. Kirsty called upon the Minister for Education to admit that her policy on the implementation of the Foundation phase is in dire straits and to take immediate action to iron out the ever increasing problems.

Kirsty Williams, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education, said; "The Minister continues to refuse to admit openly that there is a problem and yet representatives from her own party for areas such as Newport are standing up in the Chamber to make clear the problems and funding shortages within the areas they represent.

"The minister wouldn't be having the urgent meetings she has called with Local Authorities, Directors of Education and the consortia across Wales if she didn't accept that her policy was in trouble.

"Parents, Teachers, Local authorities and Unions across Wales are shouting louder and louder that the shared aims signed up to as part of the Foundation Phase will not be realised; Staffing Ratios are not going to be met, resources are not going to be there and staff aren't going to be trained.

"The Minister needs to admit that the policy to implement the Foundation Phase is flawed and needs to urgently work with all stakeholders to ensure our pupil's will not be let down."