Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language
In accordance with the inter-institutional relations agreement, I can report I chaired the third meeting of the UK Education Ministers Council (UKEMC) on Friday 9 December at the Welsh Government Buildings in Cathays Park, Cardiff.
Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills attended for the Scottish Government. The Rt. Hon. Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education attended for the UK Government and Mark Browne, Permanent Secretary to the Department for Education and Mark Lee, Director Tertiary Education represented Northern Ireland via video link.
The group discussed challenges and recent developments in the areas of: the rising cost of living; general and vocational qualifications; and lifelong learning.
Mike James, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale College, gave a presentation on the broad offer from the post-16 sector.
Amongst other things I highlighted the work the Welsh Government has been doing on Universal Primary Free School Meals, the significant changes taking place in the qualifications landscape in Wales and my vision for Wales to be a second chance nation.
It was agreed the UK Government will host the next meeting of the UKEMC.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.