Understand
Welsh government and Labour reach mini-budget deal with £60m for additional learning needs
Overview
The Plaid Cymru-led Welsh government has reached an agreement with Labour on its mini-budget, securing an extra £60m for children with additional learning needs (ALN). Labour had previously rejected a lower offer and demanded £100m, but welcomed the new cash injection as a first step. While the ASCL union welcomed the deal, the NAHT headteachers union expressed deep disappointment over the funding level. The supplementary budget will be debated in the Senedd on 3 November.
Key points
- The Welsh government and Labour agreed on an extra £60m for additional learning needs (ALN) education.
- Labour leader Ken Skates previously demanded £100m but called the £60m a welcome first step.
- The mini-budget will be debated in the Senedd on 3 November, and Labour indicated it will not stop the budget from passing.
- Headteachers union NAHT expressed deep disappointment at the funding level, questioning what happened to broader SEND funding allocations, whereas the ASCL union welcomed the agreement.
- Of the £60m package, £56m will be split between schools and councils, with £2.5m for further education and £1.5m for a long-term sustainability plan.