In response to the announcement of additional funding from Welsh Government for schools to help carry out capital repair and improvement work, with a focus on health and safety measures, such as improving ventilation, Laura Doel, Director of NAHT Cymru, said:

“We welcome the additional funding earmarked for schools today.  There are some vital repairs particularly around improving ventilation that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.  The impact of the pandemic will continue to be felt in schools for some time and while school leaders want nothing more than to focus on the rollout of the new curriculum, we must be realistic.  While schools continue to focus on the staffing crisis, curriculum development plans will inevitably be put on hold.

“We are grateful that the government has heard our calls for additional funds to support the rollout, but continue to urge them to rethink the timetable for the new curriculum.  Education reform is taking a back seat while schools struggle to keep the doors open to learners.”